In Chișinău, as in any busy city, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users face constant risks when navigating the streets. News of fatal road crashes involving children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities is a daily concern. Wide roads encourage speeding, pedestrian crossings are poorly marked, and illegally parked cars block visibility. Effective measures are both necessary and urgent - and change can come through simple, low-cost, and creative solutions that improve accessibility and mobility.
From crisis to solution
Fatal and serious road crashes are painful consequences of the lack of safe road infrastructure, often caused by excessive vehicle speeds. A proven solution to this increasingly serious issue is the creation of low-speed zones using traffic-calming interventions through tactical urbanism. These can protect vulnerable road users and create safer spaces - ultimately saving lives.
Through the Safe Urban Solutions project within the ‘FIA Road Safety Grant Programme’, the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) aimed to transform dangerous spots in the capital by applying tactical urbanism - quick, accessible interventions designed to change driver behavior and make streets safer for all. In partnership with local authorities and the National Inspectorate for Public Order, the ACM team identified high-risk locations in the city with potential for improving conditions for both drivers and pedestrians by introducing traffic-calming measures and 30 km/h zones.
One such location is the Sciusev/C. Stere intersection near Prometeu Lyceum, where drivers consistently ignored stop signs, forcing children to cross in fear. The solution? A raised pedestrian crossing to force drivers to slow down, refreshed road markings, and plastic bollards to prevent parking within 10 meters of the crossing – by Chisinau Municipality following the ACM recommendations. The result? A safety rating increase from 1 to 3.9 stars, according to the iRAP safety assessment methodology.
On Academiei Street, newly modernized sidewalks had tactile paving that led directly into traffic, putting pedestrians at risk as they had to weave between moving cars due to the absence of a properly marked and signaled crossing. This was particularly risky for persons with visual impairments, who are present in large numbers in the neighborhood. The expert team intervened by modifying curb radii, narrowing the roadway with reflective plastic bollards, establishing a clearly marked and signaled pedestrian crossing, and organizing an improvised parking zone to channel pedestrian flow using barriers. As a result, the risk of crashes visibly decreased, and local residents expressed satisfaction with the interventions - the safety rating increased from 1 to 3.2 stars.
The Miorița Street pedestrian crossing, which connects a residential area with commercial units and lies on a busy street frequented by heavy vehicles, posed a high risk for local pedestrians. To improve safety, the crossing was properly marked and signaled, a refuge island was installed, traffic lanes were narrowed using plastic bollards, and parking near the crossing was eliminated. The safety level rose from 1.7 to 2.7 stars.
Through this project, the Automobile Club of Moldova demonstrated that a collaborative approach, in partnership with local authorities, can successfully create a safer environment for vulnerable road users. The interventions significantly increased safety for residents by shaping more resilient urban spaces across Chișinău.
The road traffic safety interventions implemented through the ACM project (Dadiani Lyceum) served as a catalyst and case study for follow-up municipal measures by local authorities - especially along Calea Ieșilor.
Over 90% of individuals surveyed during morning and evening rush hours said the interventions on Miorița and Academiei streets had a positive impact and significantly improved their safety as pedestrians.
The design principles behind these interventions - applying tactical urbanism methods - represent a straightforward methodology that blends traditional road elements with innovative solutions, best adapted to all users, particularly the most vulnerable. Implementing traffic-calming solutions at intersections and pedestrian crossings in urban areas is a vital step toward creating safer, more livable neighborhoods. At the heart of it lies the belief that “Real infrastructure is not about concrete and cars, but about people.”
This initiative proves that change is possible. The next shared goal at the local level is to expand life-friendly zones, replicate safer pedestrian crossings, and promote policies that prioritize pedestrians.
The project was supported by FIA, FIA Foundation, EASST and Mayor Office of Chisinau Municipality.