On December 3, 2024, GRSF partnered with Colombia’s National Road Safety Agency (ANSV) to unveil a comprehensive assessment of approximately 22,000 kilometers of primary and secondary roads across the country. The report, developed in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, presents a detailed analysis of road safety risks and provides actionable recommendations to enhance safety for all road users.

The assessment, conducted using the globally recognized “iRAP” methodology, evaluated the identified road network based on a star rating system that identifies risk levels for four groups of road users: vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The findings revealed critical insights into road safety conditions, with 59% of roads earning three stars or higher for vehicle occupants, while motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists faced greater risks, with significant portions of the surveyed road network rated at one or two stars for these vulnerable road users.

A Safer Road Investment Plan, included with the report, offers a strategic roadmap for improving road safety, emphasizing measures tailored to vulnerable road users. Given the significant increase in motorcycle usage and associated higher crash rates, targeted infrastructure improvements were recommended to enhance rider protection. Similarly, recommendations highlighted the need for safer conditions for cyclists, advocating for appropriate speed limits on mixed-use roads and dedicated cycling infrastructure in high-traffic areas. Another key focus was the implementation of speed management measures, ensuring that speed limits align with road characteristics, surrounding communities, and traffic conditions to prevent sudden changes that could endanger pedestrians and other road users.

The report launch event attracted over 250 stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, road authorities, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. Representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI), and Instituto Nacional de Vías (INVÍAS) engaged in discussions on the key findings and next steps for implementation. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on initiatives that will translate the report's recommendations into tangible improvements across Colombia’s road network.

Among the key outcomes of the event was the recognition of capacity building as an integral component of the road safety agenda. In the lead-up to the launch, a series of workshops equipped stakeholders with the skills needed to apply the report’s insights to real-world projects. These capacity building efforts will support national and local authorities in integrating safer road design principles, conducting thorough road safety audits, and enforcing effective regulatory standards.

With a traffic fatality rate of 14.65 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, Colombia faces a pressing need to address road safety challenges. Looking ahead, the findings from the assessment are expected to inform national strategies and investment decisions, fostering a safer, more sustainable transport system in Colombia.

iRAP Study Results