Civic activists, children, NGOs and public bodies demand accessible road infrastructure in Moldova
Civic activists, children, cyclists, parents, people with reduced mobility, road safety NGOs, police and firefighters have launched a novel campaign in Moldova under the hashtag #ThisIsMyStreet. Through dance moves, they appealed to authorities for accessible infrastructure for all categories of road user. At the same time, they urged street users to be aware and respect the rights and needs of everyone.
The campaign has been organised by EASST partner the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM), who have published videos on their social networking sites featuring people from all walks of life demanding that authorities responsible for street planning to take into account accessibility standards when planning, repairing, or building streets, and urging road users to be more understanding of the needs of others especially vulnerable groups such as children, pedestrians, cyclists, people with special needs, and emergency and law enforcement services.
Speaking about the campaign, Tatiana Mihailova, Project Manager at the ACM said:
“#ThisIsMyStreet is the answer to the disastrous state of sidewalks in Chisinau but also all around the country, which are not intended to be used by people with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, people who are blind or visually impaired, small children, or cyclists. At the same time, the lack of accessible infrastructure hinders the movement of fire trucks and ambulances, thus wasting important time in which human lives can be saved. We ask the authorities to enforce accessibility standards, already present in our regulations, when overseeing road construction works. We also encourage all road users be vigilant and respectful of each other in order to contribute to our safety.”
On his involvement in the campaign, Eugen Cojocaru, Director of the “Oratorul” Young Talents Theater said:
“The street is like a stage. If it is not properly arranged, there are difficulties in fulfilling the role and everybody involved is dissatisfied. As a pedestrian and as a driver, I like to reach my destination safely without obstacles and waste of time, which is very difficult to achieve with the existing infrastructure.”
The campaign is being implemented with the support of disability groups across Moldova including the Center for the Rights of People with Disabilities, the Federation of Blind Athletes of Moldova, “MOTIVATION” Association, and the Association of the Blind of Moldova. Explaining why she became involved, Victoria Botan of “MOTIVATION” said:
“This campaign proves once again that citizens care about the quality of street infrastructure. We believe that authorities must take all necessary measures to make our streets safe, comfortable and accessible for all citizens. I got involved in the campaign because I care about the future of the country. I know that we still have a lot of work on in terms of accessibility but I hope for a prosperous future where human dignity will be valued, and people with reduced mobility will enjoy free access wherever they want to go.”
The campaign is organized by the Automobile Club of Moldova with the financial support of FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) and FIA Foundation in collaboration with the National Inspectorate of Public Safety, General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, “Oratorul” Young Talents Theater, Center for the Rights of People with Disabilities, Federation of Blind Athletes of Moldova, “MOTIVATION” Association, Association of the Blind of Moldova, Ecovisio, Working Group for Alternative Transport, “Breastfeeding Mother” Project, “Minerva” High School, Alternativa Dance Academy, and Capsoonel Art Event. The campaign is part of the global #ThisIsMyStreet action that supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to make the streets of the world safer.
