India, May 17 -- Last week, the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week kicked off around the world under the theme "Make walking and cycling safe".

For governments to observe a week dedicated to safe walking and cycling is of immense need.

According to data shared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), each year, nearly 1.2 million people lose their lives on the roads, more than a quarter of them while walking or cycling.

In the WHO South-East Asia Region, pedestrian deaths rose by 42%; in the European Region, cyclist deaths surged by 50%; and in the Western Pacific Region, cyclist deaths soared by 88%.

Yet, the UN health body said, only 0.2% of the roads worldwide are equipped with cycle lanes, and far too many communities lack basics like ...