Initiative 0 and AutoMat launch a call for safe infrastructure even for more vulnerable road users

In the fall of 2024, a young cyclist died under the wheels of a truck in Prague’s Vršovice. In response to this and other similar events, a group of friends formed who did not want to let an unnecessary death pass by. In cooperation with the AutoMat association, they are now launching the Challenge 0. It appeals to Prague politicians and officials to no longer postpone solving the unsustainable situation in Prague’s traffic and building a safe infrastructure. They draw attention to the fact that Prague has long failed to meet the standards of a 21st century European city, in which people do not have to fear for their lives at intersections and in the streets.

Between 2015 and 2024, 185,000 traffic accidents occurred in Prague, in which 7,000 pedestrians and cyclists were injured (1,600 of them seriously) and 126 died. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg; according to pilot research by the AutoMat association, people on bicycles report only one in 10 accidents.

The Call 0 follows the global Vision Zero movement, which originated and is being promoted mainly in Northern Europe. This vision shows that a combination of functional policies, safety approaches and specific measures can achieve a significant reduction in serious injuries and deaths in traffic. Ideally, to zero.

Safety as the responsibility of politicians

The new Call 0 reminds us that traffic safety is the primary responsibility of politicians, officials and city organizations. Its implementation in the Prague environment is not hindered by a lack of funds, know-how or technology. However, the will of most Prague politicians to initiate changes towards higher safety and the willingness to take responsibility for this state of affairs are lacking.

“The call appeals to Prague politicians and officials, whom we demand to sign up to the goal of zero mortality and prioritize safety. We also call for the adoption of a long-term strategy for the implementation of safe infrastructure and systematic investment in safety improvements to public spaces,” says one of the organizers of the call, Marek Pivoda.

The call was symbolically launched on June 1 at the World Cycle Ride organized by the AutoMat association. The ride was planned for Children’s Day to draw attention to the safety of more vulnerable road users and the unacceptable “victim blaming” known from most educational materials. The full text of the call and the opportunity to sign it can be found on the website https://auto-mat.cz/vyzva-nula. The call is the first step of the independent Initiative 0 in its effort to change the situation in Prague traffic.

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