Andorra Road Accidents Down in H1 2025 Despite Recent Crashes

Andorra's State Secretary for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility, David Forné, reported on Tuesday that road accident numbers for the first half of 2025 remain lower than the same period in 2024, even amid recent serious incidents raising public alarm.

Speaking at the launch of the "Respect on Wheels" campaign—part of the Andorra Cycling Territory initiative—Forné acknowledged the perception created by this week's crashes but emphasised that overall figures show improvement. "The data are somewhat better than last year, but we must stay cautious, remain alert and wait for the year-end tally," he stated. He urged rigorous analysis of every incident, especially with summer increasing cyclist presence on roads.

The campaign, active from June to October, includes five video clips distributed via digital channels and other platforms. They depict common scenarios—overtaking, roundabouts, traffic lights, tunnels and blind spots—from both drivers' and cyclists' perspectives to build empathy. Drivers must maintain at least 1.5 metres when passing bicycles, while cyclists should yield when feasible. "Safety begins when we can each put ourselves in the other's place," Forné said, adding that the effort avoids assigning blame.

Forné positioned Andorra as an international cycling reference, hosting events like the Tour de France, Vuelta and this weekend's second MoraBanc Clàssica. He encouraged residents to skip private cars during the race, opting for walking or cycling to cut emissions and congestion. Cycling, he noted, supports both sport and sustainable mobility.

Ongoing projects feature extending the bike lane from Escaldes-Engordany to Sant Julià de Lòria as part of the transport infrastructure plan. While alcohol and drug incidents have declined, Forné highlighted growing distractions from mobile phones and larger vehicle screens. "Looking at a phone or display means losing sight of the road," he warned.

The national heliport opens on 22 June, equipped for government, commercial and future electric air operations to advance connectivity.

Forné also expressed confidence in fully integrating all taxi drivers into the CityXerpa single dispatch system, with government talks ongoing to resolve holdouts and ensure universal adoption.