Group Formation in Shared Spaces

Yao Li,Monika Sester

doi:10.5194/agile-giss-2-34-2021

Abstract

Abstract. In shared spaces, grouped pedestrians can gain dominance and thus get the right of way from vehicles more easily; grouping can make traffic planning less complicated, e.g. it reduces the number of agents that need to be considered while traffic planning. However, grouping is not well investigated in shared spaces given the dynamic environment and interactions in mixed traffic. In this paper, we apply a dynamic facility location algorithm based on appearance time, origin, and destination of road users before crossing a junction to explore an appropriate grouping strategy in shared spaces, in order to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic.

Highlights

IntroductionAccording to a definition provided by Karndacharuk et al (2014), shared space is "a public local street or intersection that is intended and designed to be used by pedestrians and vehicles in a consistently low-speed environment with no obvious physical segregation between various road users to create a sense of place, and facilitate multi-functions"
The concept of "shared space" is first introduced in the 70s by Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman by forcing vehicles to decelerate when they pass through a mixed traffic environment, to address traffic safety problems in Netherlands (Hamilton-Baillie, 2004)
We apply a dynamic facility location algorithm based on appearance time, origin, and destination of road users before crossing a junction to explore an appropriate grouping strategy in shared spaces, in order to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic

Summary

Introduction

According to a definition provided by Karndacharuk et al (2014), shared space is "a public local street or intersection that is intended and designed to be used by pedestrians and vehicles in a consistently low-speed environment with no obvious physical segregation between various road users to create a sense of place, and facilitate multi-functions". Typical design of shared spaces reduces the separation between all road users by removing traffic signals (e.g. road signs, markings, and traffic lights). In this way, the intensive interactions between all road users force the drivers to drive at a limited speed, which leads to the increment of priority and safety for other road users (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists). Compared to conventional traffic designs, shared spaces create a pedestrian-friendly environment with fewer congestions (Monderman et al, 2006)

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Discussion

Conclusion