Shared Space implies that all modes of transport share the road space on the basis of eye contact and non-verbal communication and only to a minimum extent on the basis of signage and regulations [33]. Traffic conflicts would supposedly be best prevented by integrating uncertainty in the traffic situation while using as few signs and signals as possible. Road users would allegedly pay more attention and should be able to solve situations together. Shared Space intends to realise design credibility with the help of ‘natural’ elements. So far, it has not been scientifically established whether a Shared-Space design for pedestrians and cyclists is safer than a ‘traditionally’ designed space. Such an evaluation is needed to justify large-scale implementation [34].
SWOV fact sheet Sustainable Road Safety specifies the Shared-Space approach in more detail.
Figure 8. Example of Shared Space in the city of Drachten (Photograph: Fietsberaad).
