A report by São Paulo's traffic department highlights a worrying increase in pedestrian deaths caused by motorcycles in the state and the capital, signaling a need for greater public policy attention.
A recent investigation by the São Paulo Traffic Department (Detran-SP), commissioned by Folha, reveals alarming statistics regarding pedestrian fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in both the state and its capital. The data indicates a stark increase in such incidents, with a total of 1,376 reports of pedestrian deaths last year, of which 809 specified the vehicle type. In the capital alone, there were 410 reports, highlighting the urgency of addressing this growing issue. The upward trend in fatalities among motorcycle riders also reinforces the critical need for effective public policy interventions to regulate motorcycle use.
The series of reports dating back to 2019 shows a significant uptick in motorcycle-related fatalities on São Paulo's roads, projecting an increase from 145 deaths in 2022 to an estimated 202 by 2025. Detran-SP's figures for the capital point out a rise in motorcycle-related pedestrian deaths from 38 in 2023 to 66 by 2025, raising serious concerns about public safety. While cars remain the leading cause of fatalities with 420 deaths statewide and 89 in the capital, the reduction observed in car-related deaths compared to previous years does not mitigate the accelerating dangers posed by motorcycles.
Moreover, the data reflects a broader context of motorcycle proliferation, with a 28.2% growth rate in the motorcycle fleet compared to a mere 10% increase in car numbers. This imbalance underscores a pressing concern for city planners and public safety advocates, as the rapid escalation in motorcycle usage is outpacing necessary safety protocols and regulatory measures. Policymakers must prioritize addressing these effects to enhance pedestrian safety and negotiate the challenges posed by the expanding motorcycle culture in São Paulo.
