Interaction behaviour of active mobility users in shared space

Abstract

Commuting on space shared by active mobility users such as pedestrians and cyclists is of great safety concerns due to users’ differences in sizes and speeds. This provides the impetus to study the interactive behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists along shared footpaths in Singapore, which is considered as a type of non-motorised shared space. Online survey responses from 292 pedestrians and 300 cyclists were gathered. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling based on a theoretical framework that integrates various behaviour theories. In essence, the findings suggest that pedestrians adjust their behaviour (compensate) for their own perceived risk level and behave more cautiously if the risks are higher. However, as they perceive cyclists’ risk level to be relatively higher, pedestrians tend to be less cautious (than the cyclists). On the contrary, cyclists compensate for pedestrians’ risk level. Moreover, from safety perspective, overtaking interactions are more critical than on-coming interactions in terms of safety and users’ behaviour control. A better understanding of the potential risks and respective right-of-way is important. With better behavioural control, users are more likely to behave positively. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd