Effects of local urban characteristics and driving behaviour on injuries among pedestrians and cyclists in Malta

Cities across the world are seeking to establish more sustainable urban environments and safer and greener transport systems. This with a view to reduce road accidents, tackle congestion, reduce air and noise pollution and improve overall public health and liveability. Within these aspirations, improving the walking and cycling environments and reducing road accident injuries among these vulnerable road users would serve to support and encourage greener modes of transport and more sustainable cities. Pedestrians and cyclists are disproportionally often the victims of road accidents. As vulnerable groups, understanding the factors that influence the number and that affect the severity of injury, can greatly contribute to several targets and commitments which cities and even countries have adhered to in the past whether for health, environment or societal goals. Research in island contexts are particularly important due to the increase in car dependence across a number of developing and developed island states and the increasing risk exposure for pedestrians and cyclists. This study examines the pedestrian and cycling road accident injuries in Malta using an extensive database of injuries for the period 2005 and 2021 and analyse, using a Poisson panel random effects model, the relationship between local population, urban land use characteristics and driving behaviour, and how they affect injury severity. The analysis is done at local level using a number of variables in the model to determine effects. These include the population of each locality, local land use characteristics such as the presence of (main) commercial activity, a health centre or an industrial estate that have an impact on the number of those walking and cycling, and the number of speeding contraventions issued over time in various locations around the islands as a proxy for driving behaviour. Furthermore, the study presents the islands case study and describes road accident injury trends over time and in context. Findings point towards a link between slight and grievous injuries and commercial, health and industrial activities. Strong links are also found with population changes. Speeding is only linked to grievous injuries. Fatal accidents are related to the location of industrial activity and population. The paper concludes with some recommendations to improve road safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.