Overview
In-city-areas without crosswalks (FLOZ) are characterized by special regulations and an appropriate road design. The most important is the fact that pedestrians can cross the road within a wide area instead within the limited range of a crosswalk. FLOZ are controversially discussed among the users, especially on the part of the handicapped unions. In 2007 a study with 5 samples of FLOZ was realized for the first time in Switzerland. Now it has to be examined if the advantages found in 2007 persist over a longer period and if similar advantages can be shown in FLOZ that have been established afterwards. Due to this long-term evaluation the effects of FLOZ and their determination factors can be examined in detail. An international example of FLOZ will be considered additionally if possible.
The project aims to answer the following questions:
- If all relevant conditions are considered: Are there long-term advantages of "FLOZ" (in-city-areas without crosswalks) in comparison to conventionally regulated areas, e.g. areas with crosswalks?
- In which cases FLOZ are reasonable? What are the limits of FLOZ? Where is FLOZ inappropriate ?
- What are important design aspects that have to be considered?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages in the opinion of different user-groups, e.g. road users, special user groups as handicapped persons, local tradespersons)?
- Do pedestrians and/or drivers choose a different route if a FLOZ is established?
The following methods were used: Measurement of traffic parameters such as quantities of vehicles and pedestrians, vehicle speed and traffic flow; eye-tracking of drivers and pedestrians; observation of the behaviour of road users; interview with cyclists, motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians.
The immediate benefit of this research project is to support road planners and carriers by providing a decision support for introducing new FLOZ and to control the existing FLOZ better.