Last year, the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) conducted a survey on pedestrian safety for people with reduced mobility in Chisinau. The results revealed that seven out of ten people with disabilities feel unsafe navigating the city – especially when crossing roads.

The survey conducted by ACM identified three main contributing factors:

• Lack of disability-friendly infrastructure (e.g., lowered curbs, acoustic signals, tactile paving);
• Physical obstacles in front of pedestrian crossings (steps, posts, parking meters, missing sewer covers, and parked cars);
• Poor traffic signal timing, with lights changing too fast for safe crossing.

Participants shared their daily struggles:

“I don't feel safe moving around the city without someone. Cars are parked on sidewalks or near intersections, and the sidewalks are broken.”

“At wide intersections, I can't cross in time. I end up standing between lanes or finishing on a red light. I walk with crutches. Some drivers don’t yield even when it’s green for pedestrians.”

As a result, ACM upgraded three key intersections in the city:

• Dacia Blvd and Zelinski St – installed acoustic signals and tactile paving;
• Ștefan cel Mare Blvd and Pușkin St – installed an acoustic pedestrian signal;
• Ismail St and Mitropolit Varlaam St – built a refuge island, lowered curbs, and installed acoustic signals.

People with visual impairments were invited to test the acoustic signals, ensuring the right volume and functionality. It is the first time acoustic signals have been introduced in Chisinau, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

A follow-up survey showed a major shift in safety perception: 58% of respondents said they now feel safe or very safe, compared to only 2% at non-upgraded crossings.

The project led to strong public demand for further improvements. ACM submitted clear recommendations to Chisinau’s Transport Department, including:

• Better lighting;
• Accessibility improvements for underground crossings;
• Measures to remove parked cars near crossings;
• Action against drivers who ignore pedestrian signals — a major issue as 60% of pedestrian crashes happen in designated pedestrian areas.

View full report here.

This work was led by Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) through the “Equal Road Rights” project, in partnership with UNIVERSAL ACCES, LUMTEH, CDPD, and Chisinau City Hall, and supported by the FIA, FIA Foundation, and EASST.