Evaluation of in-city-areas without crosswalks (SVI 2011/023)
Overview
Background & policy context:
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.
Objectives:
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?
Methodology:
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.
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