Road Safety Law Demanded to Protect Pedestrians and Cyclists in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

A discussion at the BRTA headquarters in Dhaka highlighted the need for a road safety law to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. According to a recent study, 22.8% of hospitalised road crash victims are pedestrians, and 4.2% are cyclists. The average hospital treatment cost for pedestrians is TK 27,532, while cyclists require an average of TK 18,952. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in collaboration with the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute.

Key Takeaways:

  • 27 percent of hospitalised road crash victims in Bangladesh are pedestrians, and 4.2% are cyclists.
  • Pedestrians require an average of 11 days of hospital treatment, while cyclists require an average of 9 days.
  • The average hospital treatment cost for pedestrians is TK 27,532, while cyclists require an average of TK 18,952.
  • 22.8% of hospitalised road crash victims in a recent study were pedestrians, and 4.2% were cyclists.
  • Around 1.2 million people die, and nearly 50 million are injured in road crashes worldwide annually.
  • Road crashes are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 globally.
  • The global pedestrian fatality rate increased by 3% between 2010 and 2021, and cyclist fatalities rose by 20%.
  • 80% of roads worldwide lack basic pedestrian safety infrastructure, and only 0.2% have dedicated bicycle lanes.
  • The Safe System Approach has led to a 36% reduction in road crash deaths in Europe, with a road fatality rate as low as 2.8 per 100,000 population in Sweden.
  • Ensuring road safety requires collective effort from all stakeholders, including governments, humanitarian organizations, and local institutions.
  • The BRTA has already issued the 'Motor Vehicle Speed Limit Guideline 2024' and will take effective steps towards enacting a Road Safety Law.

Statistics:

  • 27% of hospitalised road crash victims in Bangladesh are pedestrians.
  • 4.2% of hospitalised road crash victims in Bangladesh are cyclists.
  • Pedestrians require an average of 11 days of hospital treatment.
  • Cyclists require an average of 9 days of hospital treatment.
  • The average hospital treatment cost for pedestrians is TK 27,532.
  • The average hospital treatment cost for cyclists is TK 18,952.
  • Around 1.2 million people die, and nearly 50 million are injured in road crashes worldwide annually.
  • 80% of roads worldwide lack basic pedestrian safety infrastructure.
  • Only 0.2% of roads worldwide have dedicated bicycle lanes.
  • The global pedestrian fatality rate increased by 3% between 2010 and 2021.
  • Cyclist fatalities rose by 20% between 2010 and 2021.
  • The Safe System Approach has led to a 36% reduction in road crash deaths in Europe.

Sources:

  • A recent study cited in the discussion.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) report between 2010 and 2021.
  • The UN Global Road Safety Week 2025.
  • The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) report.
  • The Motor Vehicle Speed Limit Guideline 2024.
  • The National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute report.
  • Global Health Advocacy Incubator report.
  • UN Road Safety Week report.