Leveraging iRAP to Enhance Road Safety around Schools and Mosques in Riyadh: A Conference Spotlight

CCG and Riyadh Municipality presented their research paper at the IRF Conference (Images credit: CCG)

The Consolidated Consultants Group (CCG), in collaboration with the Riyadh Municipality, participated in the IRF Road Safety & Sustainability Conference: Innovating for Tomorrow (November 3-4) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event gathered experts and leaders from across the globe to discuss innovative strategies for advancing road safety and sustainability. During the conference, CCG and Riyadh Municipality had the privilege of presenting their research. The paper titled “Utilizing Data-Driven Approaches and iRAP Frameworks for Evaluating and Implementing Traffic Safety Measures for Schools and Mosques in Riyadh” shed light on our ongoing collaborative project with Eng. AbduAlaziz AlAouny General Director for Roads & Lighting from Riyadh Municipality.

This research focuses on enhancing traffic safety in school and mosque zones within Riyadh, employing the internationally recognized iRAP (International Road Assessment Programme) methodologies, including the Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) framework. This approach not only prioritizes the safety of vulnerable groups, such as children and worshippers but also sets the stage for sustainable and scalable traffic safety solutions. The paper highlighted the comprehensive data-driven methodology used to evaluate current traffic conditions, identify high-risk zones, and propose targeted interventions to improve safety across 300 school areas, encompassing 964 schools and 194 mosques in the city.

Presenting this research at the conference was a significant milestone, as it allowed Riyadh Municipality to demonstrate the application of iRAP’s frameworks in a real-world, large-scale urban context. The methodology integrates traffic audits, mobile mapping, pedestrian behavior analysis, and stakeholder engagement to provide a holistic view of traffic risks. Utilizing the SR4S system, they assessed each school zone’s safety, producing star ratings that guide targeted improvements. This approach empowers local decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritize investments in traffic safety effectively, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most.

The participation underscored the importance of promoting global best practices, particularly iRAP methodologies, in addressing traffic safety challenges. The conference provided an invaluable platform to share their findings, exchange insights with international peers, and advocate for the adoption of evidence-based strategies. The discussions reinforced the need for community involvement, continuous evaluation, and leveraging modern data technologies to sustain traffic safety improvements.

This project, as detailed in the research, aims to establish a replicable model that other rapidly developing cities can adopt. By applying structured, data-driven evaluations and integrating community awareness initiatives, they are setting a precedent for future traffic safety programs, ensuring safer commutes for schoolchildren and worshippers in Riyadh. The ongoing collaboration with iRAP and the strategic use of SR4S methodology stand as testaments to Riyadh’s commitment to pioneering sustainable, safety-focused urban development.