Shared spaces
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 7:03 am
My dream is to make Adelaide a great place to live, which means making the CBD a pleasant place for people.
I'm a huge fan of shared spaces. If you're unfamiliar with shared spaces, here are some examples;
A shared space is one where the realm of cars, cyclists, and pedestrians is not segregated, but shared - each with equal right of way. The benefits of shared spaces are;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKvLvEs2VJc (He starts around 17 minutes in.)
I wonder where would be the best places to introduce them into Adelaide.
One idea I've thought about is extending Rundle Mall, turning the eastern end into a shared space, and extending the western end into a shared space halfway down Hindley Street. Also King William Street for a block above/below: Another idea is to turn North Terrace into a shared space in front of the Casino and run it all the way through to the University of Adelaide.
What are your thoughts or suggestions? Do you like shared spaces? Do you think they will work?
I'm a huge fan of shared spaces. If you're unfamiliar with shared spaces, here are some examples;
A shared space is one where the realm of cars, cyclists, and pedestrians is not segregated, but shared - each with equal right of way. The benefits of shared spaces are;
- They accommodate relatively high levels of vehicular traffic as it is slow but free flowing.
- The roadway is naturally 'dangerous' and takes motorists out of their comfort zone, which encourages them to drive drive slowly and cautiously, expecting pedestrians, vehicles, and other obstacles at any moment. This makes them very safe, specially for children and people with disabilities which may have trouble with segregated streets.
- They are much more humane and relaxing than segregated streets, and even the smallest towns that have implemented them have seen their pedestrian traffic increase, and the towns have become safer and more attractive.
- They're relatively cheap to build and uncluttered - a simple textured/coloured surface compared to all of the traffic control devices (crossings, lights), poles, signage, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKvLvEs2VJc (He starts around 17 minutes in.)
I wonder where would be the best places to introduce them into Adelaide.
One idea I've thought about is extending Rundle Mall, turning the eastern end into a shared space, and extending the western end into a shared space halfway down Hindley Street. Also King William Street for a block above/below: Another idea is to turn North Terrace into a shared space in front of the Casino and run it all the way through to the University of Adelaide.
What are your thoughts or suggestions? Do you like shared spaces? Do you think they will work?