Study Tour to Europe: Learning International Practices to Improve Road Safety

From June 10 to 18, representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic embarked on a study tour to Lithuania, Austria, and the Netherlands. The delegation included 11 specialists from various institutions, including the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), the Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU), and the Main Directorate for Road Safety (MDRS). The goal of the trip was to study the best international practices in road safety, road infrastructure design, and planning.

Composition of the Delegation

To ensure a comprehensive approach to studying road safety issues, the delegation included representatives from:

Ministry of Transport and Communications – responsible for strategic planning and the implementation of road safety measures.
Kyrgyz State Technical University – involved in developing educational programs and conducting research on road safety.
Main Directorate for Road Safety (MDRS) – ensuring law enforcement and monitoring road safety measures.

The delegation was also accompanied by international experts from Lithuania and Austria, who provided insights into technologies and solutions, as well as interpreters to facilitate effective communication.

Main Objectives of the Trip

To study innovative engineering solutions in road design.
To explore methods of enhancing road safety.
To analyze successful international practices for adapting legislation.
To examine approaches to training and certifying specialists.

Visit to Lithuania (June 10–12)

Lithuania showcased its successful transition from a Soviet system to Western road safety standards. Key points of focus included:

Legislative reforms and institutional changes.
Traffic calming technologies and accident analysis systems.
Practices that reduced road fatalities by 83% over the past 15 years.

Visit to Austria (June 13–15)

Austria demonstrated unique engineering solutions for mountainous roads and tunnels, as well as national transport strategies that emphasized:

Designing safe roads in complex topographical conditions.
Effective risk management methods for mountainous areas.
Integration of sustainable transport solutions.

Visit to the Netherlands (June 16–18)

The Netherlands exemplified global leadership in road safety and sustainable mobility. The delegation observed:

Infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
Principles of sustainably safe road design.
Measures to reduce accidents and create a user-friendly urban environment.

Outcomes of the Trip

The study tour provided participants with unique experiences and knowledge to adapt the best international practices to the needs of the Kyrgyz Republic. Key findings included:

The need to strengthen interagency cooperation.
Adapting design methods and technologies to local conditions.
Developing educational programs based on international expertise.

The trip was a significant step toward improving road safety in Kyrgyzstan. It allowed participants to witness successful examples of innovative solutions, inspired the implementation of similar measures, and strengthened professional ties with international partners.

Study Tour to Europe: Learning International Practices to Improve Road Safety