An urban traffic network can usually be divided into a pedestrian/bicycle network (P/C) and an automobile network. However, a greater part of the P/C network is not separated from the automobile network and is therefore integrated with streets and roads. Within each network and especially from the automobile network the links are classified according to type of area served, speed limits, type of vehicles etc. For the automobile network there are local streets, major streets, freeways etc. This mixture of traffic generates conflicts between especially the unprotected road users and the autobmoile traffic. Areas with highly integrated traffic have therefore a large number of serious accidents with serious accidents with pedestrians and cyclists involved. The motor traffic also gives a lot of environmental problems which will be difficult to control. At first approach, we can remove some of this conflict by creating a Free Space separated from motor traffic, and by creating another exclusive space for transport. The Free Space will include open areas, green belts, parks, playgrounds, sport fields, etc, and foot and cycle paths. The Transport Space will include exclusive links for automobile traffic, freeways, major roads, some feeder streets, etc, but also railway links. However, it is not realistic to reach a total separation between the Free Space and the Transport Space. As a second approach, we therefore have to add an intermediate space, here called the Calming Space between the two other exclusive spaces. The paper deals with the idea that the strategy for improving the quality of urban life, related to the design of the urban traffic network, is: (1) extending the Free Space in order to get more vehicle-free space for pedestrians and cyclists and (2) concentrating the Transport Space in special areas and (3) balancing the Calming Space by various means in order to control the traffic volume and the speed.
Abstract