Liberia's 1st Safe Streets Festival 2017

Inspired by European Mobility Week, tThe European Union in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and the German Cooperation and with the support of Orange, UNIDO and CICA Motors, was involved in createding an unforgettable unmemorable experience for Monrovia. inspired by the European Mobility Week, held across Europe in September. For a full day on 25th November 2017 part of Broad Street and surrounding areas were completely closed to motorized transport allowing citizens to experience the city in an entirely different way through a wide range of educational and leisure activities.
According to statistics, Liberia loses up to 7% of its GDP due to insufficient road safety measures and high levels of traffic related deaths and injuries. The Safe Streets Festival was organized to increase public awareness about road safety.
The event saw a massive turnout of people of all ages and backgrounds who poured into the streets to take part in a 5-km run and family walk, sports activities, games for children, culture and entertainment activities, as well quizzes and discussions at the European Union and Road Safety Education stands. A large market fair displayed locally made fashion, food and beauty products as well as arts and crafts by Liberian SMEs while a rich cultural programme sponsored by the European Union with performances by key Liberian artists and cultural troupes attracted large crowds well into the night.
The festival was one of its a kind and residents of Monrovia. Local people said they could not remember any such event being held since before the civil war in Liberia.