Last week the RAPs Community of Best Practice (CoBP) gathered online bringing together 27 participants from 14 countries representing national Road Assessment Programmes around the world.

Designed to strengthen connection and collaboration among the 18 formally established Road Assessment Programmes worldwide, and the many countries with a strong foundation of activity, the CoBP is serving as a dynamic platform for sharing best practice, solving common challenges, exploring collaborative opportunities, and streamlining the communication of iRAP global updates.

Participants were welcomed to the meeting with the traditional Maori Karakia Whakatuwhera by moderator and KiwiRAP Lead Jessica Rattray from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Following round-the-table introductions, RAPs shared updates on their programmes including:

• ThaiRAP Lead Kasem Choocharukul provided a comprehensive update on ThaiRAP’s activities, including capacity building, research collaborations, policy advocacy, infrastructure assessments, speed management initiatives, and youth engagement, highlighting collaboration with government agencies and local administrations in Thailand.
• Representatives from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) shared updates on significant programme activities, outlining plans to procure a consultant for upcoming Star Rating assessments and towards the launch of KenRAP.
• Fahad Manee presented updates on Saudi Arabia’s KSARAP program, detailing the large-scale network assessment, engineering improvements, speed management initiatives, and collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, resulting in significant Star Rating improvements to the Kingdom’s road network.
• United Kingdom RAP Lead Suzy Charman described the deployment of iRAP’s Route Review Tool in the UK, highlighting the mass training of engineers and consultants in use of the tool to develop user-defined investment plans. Suzy offered support to other regions interested in adopting the tool.
• Jessica provided an update on KiwiRAP, noting the completion of the fourth performance tracking cycle, adjustments to risk thresholds, improved road safety outcomes, and ongoing efforts to integrate performance tracking for all local authorities in New Zealand.
• Following a question on developing dashboards for sharing Star Ratings alongside crash data, design and traffic parameters, AusRAP’s Alan Rushworth shared insights on the collaborative and technical process that developed AusRAP’s National Dashboard and offered one-on-one support to other countries seeking guidance.

iRAP global updates were shared, including from iRAP’s Global Technical Director James Bradford on the expansion of AiRAP with accredited data providers, the upcoming release of Star Rating model 3.10 with enhanced analysis for pedestrians and cyclists, and innovative tools such as RAPIDO, the Star Rating for Designs web app, and the Route Review Tool.

James also led a deep dive discussion on planned ViDA upgrades including architectural changes to a GIS-based system, an improved user interface, and enhanced API capabilities, with feedback invited on desired features and integration opportunities.

iRAP Safer Journeys Leads Edgar Zamora, Nathalie Chiavassa and Samar Abouraad provided regional updates, covering the progress of MexiRAP, NigeriaRAP and SnRAP, developing interest in new RAPs, Kenya’s procurement efforts, and iRAP activities in Middle Eastern countries, with emphasis on private sector engagement and capacity building.

The recent webinar presented by iRAP Global Programme and Communications Manager Judy Williams – “The Importance of Connection in Road Safety and Singing our Success from the Rooftops” – was recommended viewing for all partners developing and running road safety programmes.

Ultimately, led by the RAPs, the CoBP aims to:

• Strengthen existing and emerging RAP programmes;
• Facilitate introductions and build rapport between RAP representatives;
• Guide the development and application of iRAP tools, methodologies and training;
• Support the creation of new resources for RAPs;
• Foster collaboration and mentoring opportunities; and
• Inform iRAP governance through networks such as the Safer Journeys Leads Network, Global Technical Committee, Global Policy Advisory Committee and the iRAP Board.

Thanks to all who attended last week’s meeting, contributing to this vital community and new cross-border collaborations for high impact RAPs and safer roads world-wide.

For information on the RAPs CoBP, contact iRAP’s Global Programme and Communications Manager Judy Williams on email judy.williams@irap.org.