Like many cities worldwide, Brazilian cities’ development of roads and streets prioritized cars and motorized vehicles. Sidewalks were narrow, and road signs were scarce.
The approach to road safety heavily relied on behavioral change, such as using seatbelts and helmets. This resulted in high rates of road crashes.
Brazil ranks 5th in the world regarding fatalities from road traffic injuries. Road traffic crashes in the country cause an estimated 40,000 annual deaths, and more than 150,000 victims per year suffer serious injuries. This alarmingly high rate of traffic crashes is also costing the country R$28 billion per year (US$5.5 billion).
The WRI article presents how implementing “Complete Streets” has made Brazil’s streets safer and equitable to all users. It cites examples of some of the complete street projects throughout the country, what that project entails, and the significant changes it has made to make streets much safer.
It notes that “while the goals of the projects vary — ranging from school zones to commercial streets to public transport hubs — each highlights how the Complete Streets approach can make public space more accessible, enjoyable, climate-resilient and safe.”
The article provides three examples of the 28 complete street projects throughout the country where the complete street program has been implemented in the last five years – In João Alfredo Street of Porto Alegre in João Alfredo Street of Porto Alegre city, in Marques do Paraná Avenue, Niterói and Delphino Cintra Street, Campinas.
Implementing “Complete Streets” in Porto Alegre
In João Alfredo Street of Porto Alegre, things started to improve when the city implemented the “Complete Street” program. The complete street concept represents a paradigm shift emphasizing the creation (or redesign) of streets that are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and abilities.
In 2019, the city redesigned the streets, making the curbs wider, pedestrians crossings have become more prominent, and vegetation and street benches have been added to the sidewalks. The widening of the curbs and the addition of roundabouts on the street have reduced the speed at intersections from 40 km per hour to 30 km per hour, significantly making roads safer for children and older people. These changes have resulted in a significant drop in traffic crashes, above 50%.
De-prioritizing cars in Marques do Paraná Avenue, Niterói
The city has taken a significant step towards de-prioritizing cars by trying out the complete street program in Marques do Paraná Avenue, Niterói. The street, previously lacking infrastructure for public transport, bicycles, and pedestrians, has now been transformed.
In 2019, the city prioritized sustainable mobility, reallocating 35% of the space dedicated to cars for public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians. Adding a drainage garden alongside the streets has increased the street’s permeability to an impressive 300%.
This comprehensive approach has improved road safety and enhanced the quality of life for residents and the environment through better urban landscaping and reduced flooding. This success story is a hope for other cities considering similar initiatives.
Changing the streets as a community effort
The complete street program on Delphino Cintra Street, Campinas, is a testament to the power of community involvement. The city, known for its high road accident rates and overspeeding vehicles, decided to take action. In August 2022, the city launched the complete street program, which involved the community in every step.
The first stage included extended sidewalks, new pedestrian crossings, and street infrastructure like benches and vegetation. The second stage, a genuine community effort, included LED solar road studs, more durable bollards, and a converting a part of the road into a pedestrian refuge island, a safe area with new crosswalks and accessible sidewalks.
The change produced outstanding results – a reduction in car speeds by 38%, a 46% reduction in motorcycles, and the approval of many residents. This success is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.
The article reveals that improving road safety entails a paradigm shift from car-centric to people-centric approaches. The former approach has resulted in high rates of car crashes and road accidents, increased air pollution from cars, and a decreased quality of life for residents.
Implementing the complete street program has applied a people-centric approach to road safety, making streets safer and more equitable. The results have been positive – fewer fatalities on the road, encouraged active forms of transportation which can benefit the health and well-being of residents, and the addition of green furniture has improved drainage and hence resilience to floods and fostered a healthier environment.
Approaching change and holistic adaptation of infrastructure environments can achieve remarkable results and is a core component of sustainable infrastructure management.
Source:
Aquino, S., Antunes, J., & de Morais Neto, O. (2020). Mortality by road traffic injuries in Brazil (2000–2016): capital cities versus non-capital cities. SciELO Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.scielosp.org/article/rsp/2020.v54/122/en/
Batista, B., Neto, R., & Correa, F. (2024, March 6). How “Complete Streets” Are Creating Safer, More Sustainable Cities in Brazil. World Resources Institute. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/complete-streets-safer-sustainable-brazil
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