Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grants - Institute/Initiative Community Support

In Canada, in 2023, more than 1,900 people were killed, 9,055 people were seriously injured, and 574 pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists were killed in road traffic incidents, highlighting the need for safer and more equitable transportation systems. In response, municipalities are adopting the Safe System Approach and Vision Zero frameworks, which aim to eliminate road traffic fatalities and serious injuries through evidence-based solutions and are internationally accepted as standards for road safety. These frameworks are being integrated into local traffic safety plans to create safer urban environments for all road users. A key initiative to profile this work is the use of walkshops-mobile workshops that bring together a range of stakeholders to explore and reflect on road safety measures in urban areas. Walkshops are evidence in action. They involve walking along a pre-determined route, allowing participants to experience firsthand the challenges faced by pedestrians and other non-motorized road users while examining real-world applications of the Safe System Approach and Vision Zero principles. These walkshops foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between researchers, policymakers, road safety professionals, and the community. Walkshops are gaining traction in Canada. In 2023, the City of Guelph and Parachute hosted the first walkshop of its kind in Canada. Building on this success, Parachute partnered with the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) and the City of Ottawa in 2024 for another walkshop in Downtown Ottawa. In 2025, Parachute collaborated with the City of Quebec and Town of Glace Bayto host walkshops. These walkshops provide valuable insights into effective road safety strategies, and by building on lessons learned from previous walkshops, this project aims to further expand these initiatives, bringing stakeholders together to advance safe and inclusive mobility solutions in Canadian cities.