A methodology for the assessment of pedestrians-cyclists shared space level of service. (1st May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nikiforiadis, Andreas; Basbas, Socrates; Garyfalou, Marina Iliana
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 254(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05-01
• Subjects: Pedestrians-cyclists shared spaces -- Level of service (LOS) -- Hindrance concept -- Regression trees -- Analytic hierarchy process (AHP); Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The limited available public space and the intention to promote active mobility, enhance the importance and the interest about pedestrians-cyclists shared spaces. This paper proposes a new methodology for determining the level of service (LOS) in shared spaces, based on the hindrance concept. In this context: a) the types of events between the users were identified, b) regression tree models for predicting the events' frequency were developed, c) weights were assigned to the various events, based on their negative impact on users' perceived comfort and safety. The assignment of weights consists a novelty of the proposed methodology since there is no other study attempting to identify their negative impact. Eventually, a mathematical formula suitable for optimizing the design and management of pedestrians-cyclists shared spaces, by minimizing users' hindrance, is being produced. The objective of the methodology is to be a reliable and easy to use tool for planners and decision-makers. From the application of the methodology in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, it is identified that: a) the pedestrian and bicycle flow rates play a decisive role in the frequency of experiencing events, b) "delayed passing" is the most disturbing situation for both pedestrians and cyclists, c) "passings" have similar negative impact on users' perceptions with "meetings". Highlights: A reliable and easy to use methodology for assessing pedestrians-cyclists shared spaces. The methodology optimizes the design/management of shared spaces, by minimizing perceived hindrance. A novelty of the methodology is the assignment of weights to the events, based on the negative impact on perceived comfort and safety. Pedestrian and bicycle flow rates have great impact on the frequency of the events, which are experienced by the users. "Delayed passing" is the most disturbing event type for both pedestrians and cyclists.