Safety concerns for non-motorised user groups arise because of interactions in shared spaces and incompatibility of speed and weight characteristics. This paper reviews research progress in space allocation methods and safety implications of shared space operations, from the point of view of vulnerable road user groups. The focus of this research work is on the perceived level of risk. The degree of safety is addressed from the point of view of level of danger perceived by non-motorised road users. Applications related to off road situations are also addressed. The level of danger estimation may be performed using measurement of physiological characteristics as well as monitoring visible evasive action responses. Analysis of level of apprehension shown by non-motorised road users to moving vehicles on shared space shows that speed and separation are the prime factors that reflect the level of danger experienced by road users. Gender and age are important user characteristics that impact the perceived level of safety. Differences in methodological aspects in Australia, Japan, the Netherlands and USA are briefly discussed. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205861.
Abstract