Underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists : user requirements and implications for design.

In the Netherlands growing attention is being paid to slow traffic facilities. In order to increase road safety many municipalities build or intend to build underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists. However, such traffic solutions have disadvantages, too. Often people manifest feelings of being fenced in or express fear of violence. Nevertheless, in many situations there is no better alternative.In this article designers, planners and users are presented with a checklist of user requirements and design objectives aiming at optimal solutions.In particular attention is paid to the possibilities of avoiding feelings of anxiety by means of appropriate design.