Shared Space (SS) is latest traffic calming idea from Europe, but schemes have existed in the UK for 20 years. 4 parts of this discussion:

• Explain the aim of SS,
• Examine a traffic calming scheme to highlight how it provides some SS benefits,
• Review what makes SS schemes work, and
• How these findings help to identify a kerb delineator for SS.Aim of Shared Space

  SS tilts traffic priority towards pedestrians to improve walking by reducing kerb height’s so it is easier to cross the road, especially for physically impaired (e.g. wheelchairs, prams, heavy shopping / luggage, young and elderly). More people crossing the road slows and calms traffic, encouraging greater pedestrian priority.

  Traffic calming can provide some Shared Space benefits

  Many traffic calming measures provide some SS benefits. Bernard Street at Russell Square tube station:

• Raised delivery bays provide more space for walking, as often empty.
• Raised crossing over side roads are step / kerb-free.
• Narrow this one-way street so easier to cross wherever you want, so reducing pressure on crossing points.These traffic calming measures (step or kerb-free delivery bays, crossings, and narrower roads), provide some of SS benefits.

  Review of Shared Space schemes in London

  4 SS schemes are reviewed, in Covent Garden area about 20 years, and in Liverpool Road in Islington, about 10 years old. See table below.

  The logic for how SS works is that the greater volume of pedestrians calms the smaller flow of motor vehicles, which encourages pedestrian priority. But, SS can work on busier streets if corresponding increase in traffic calming measures.

  Shared Space Design

  Raised junction with low kerbs provides an all round solution for the greatest number of as kerb is the most widely recognised separation between footway and carriageway. Low kerbs are also supported by:

• Paving contrast, pave footways in paving and carriageways in tarmac, so they look andfeel correct.
• Colour contrast at kerb from yellow or white lines.
• Raised junction has ramps that calm traffic, provide audible warning, deter cyclists, andallow shallow ramps to indicate crossings.
• Building line provides tapping rail.
• Traffic and pedestrians indicate where to go.

© Tim Long 2009 This paper represents the views of Tim Long and not those of his employer the London Borough of Camden or the Clear Zone Partnership.

“Conversations on Future Lifestyles”: Talk it Through, Make it Happen.

Rethinking Cities Ltd. host “Conversations on Future Lifestyles”, a series of thought-provoking, inspiring and creative discussions on lifestyles and their impact on urban living. Such a Conversation is an opportunity to meet fellow professionals, to share opinions, and contribute to interesting debates on topical issues. Collective problem solving. A briefing paper is distributed to participants one week before the conversation and a guest speaker is invited to introduce the topic.

Conversations take place early in an evening, at a convenient central London location, approximately once a quarter, and last for between 50 and 90 minutes. They are hosted by an experienced facilitator, and participation is limited to ten people, ensuring intimacy and an opportunity for everyone to have a chance to contribute.

“Wise people like Raban (author of Soft City) learn things  about cities and communicate them, but then are more or less forgotten.  Revisiting them is a real service, and the Conversation was very stimulating,  to me at least. The Homes & Communities Academy should fund you to hold hundreds of Conversations, as an alternative to reinventing the wheel.” Rob Cowan, former Director of the Urban Design Group

For each Conversation, a briefing paper is written by the person introducing the topic.