A methodology for the assessment of pedestrians-cyclists shared space level of service

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”.