Shared space for unregulated traveller interactions.

Abstract: Shared space is that “all street users move and interact in their use of space on the basis of informal social protocols and negotiations” (Hamilton-Baillie 2008). By minimizing demarcations, the dominance of motor vehicles reduces and it enables all users to share the space. As a result, drivers and cyclists have to reduce their speed, pedestrians watch more carefully to surroundings traffic. The purpose of shared space is to improve the road safety and build a pedestrian priority environment. But there are also concerns about the shared space safety. Since the roads are unregulated, they may become more dangerous to some pedestrians. The vulnerable pedestrians and designs have to be identified. This thesis explores the factors of shared space users and shared space itself to see if they will be potential dangers to the traffic. The case study focuses on two shared spaces in Stockholm city involving both residential area and famous tour site. The result shows that factors like gender, age, and partners do have different effects on traffic safety issues in shared space zones. But some factors like vehicle type, vehicle speed are not shown much difference in shared space zones. The thesis study gives detailed conclusions of the factors that can affect the shared space safety and suggestions on a shared space should be designed.