16 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – During the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week and its theme “Streets for Life: Making Walking and Cycling Safe”, UNITAR hosted a global webinar titled “AI for Safer Roads” bringing together over 100 participants, including government officials, urban planners, road safety experts, civil society actors, and private sector partners, to explore the potential of data-driven technologies in protecting vulnerable road users, particularly motorcyclists.
The virtual event included a dynamic panel featuring experts who shared insights on how emerging technologies, including generative AI, can support real-time risk identification and foster behavioral change among motorcyclists. Panelists also discussed the broader context of motorcycle safety, presenting their own initiatives aimed at improving conditions for riders and emphasizing how technological innovations can complement traditional safety measures.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the “MotoAI: Intelligent Motorcycle Road Safety Assessment App”. Developed in collaboration with York University, this AI-powered tool developed aims to empower riders and road safety actors with localized risk reports, safety recommendations, and policy-relevant data. Powered by a generative AI model, the App introduces a Motorcycle Road Safety Index, calculated using 34 comprehensive indicators related to human behavior, vehicle safety, road infrastructure, environmental conditions, emergency response, and regulatory factors.
UNITAR
This initiative will go a long way in making a difference thereby reducing crashes here in Nigeria and Africa at large — Mr. Ugochukwu Okoronkwo, Staff Officer, Policy Research and Statistics, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria
We are committed to supporting this initiative and exploring how we can collaboratively share best practices to save lives — Mr. David Williams, Vice President of Barbados Motoring Federation
Technology is on our side and we can leverage these applications together for road safety — Dr. Ali Asgary, Director CIFAL York, York University
This app is a game changer-when we think about the roads and importance of motor bikes, the ability of the app to go to countries where motorbikes are significant — Mr. John Blood, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs, AB InBev
UNITAR
Make It Safe lend voices and support to Barbados, encourages stakeholders to look at safety in broader perspective and bring road safety to top of minds of leaders — Mr. John Herbet, Director & Technical Officer, MakeItSafe
Will is the key to saving lives on the roads — Ms. Vanessa Rubio, MOVES El Salvador
The session concluded with the participation of riders from the Barbados Motorcycle Club, who offered feedback on the App’s user-friendly interface, which allows individuals to input data about their city and riding environment to receive a personalized risk index, safety report, and actionable recommendations. Riders, Mr. Brook Miller, a Champion Rider and Mr. Lowery Worrel from Riker Boys, expressed how such tools can help motorcyclists better understand local risks and make safer decisions. Their testimonials highlighted the App’s potential to enhance awareness and contribute to a culture of safety among riders.
In closing the event, Ms. Estrella Merlos from UNITAR highlighted
Today’s event reaffirms the importance of multisectoral approaches and engagement of diverse actors: civil society, academia, as well as businesses in amplifying the reach and impact of practical solutions that improve road safety.
Mr. Lowery Worrel - National Motorcycle Racer and proud member of the Biker Boyz Bike Club in Barbados shares his firsthand impressions of the MotoAI: Intelligent Motorcycle Road Safety Assessment App. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned rider and competitor, Mr. Worrel reflects on how the app can enhance safety awareness and provide practical, data-driven insights for motorcyclists.