Berent, Pola Aleksandra; (2020) Perceptions of Comfort by Cyclists and Pedestrians on Unsegregated Shared-use Paths: Developing an Assessment Tool. Doctoral thesis (Eng.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of comfort on unsegregated shared-use paths between cyclists and pedestrians and attempts to develop a Level-of-Service assessment tool. A better understanding of user perceptions is crucial to promote active travel in the UK, especially in cities with limited space. Unsegregated shared-use paths could be a viable option: however, there is currently a limited number of guidelines on whether and how a path can be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and no assessment tools which consider perspective of both modes and are developed for UK context. Data collection was in two stages, with samples of 919 and 899 respondents respectively: research method was online questionnaires, which included questions on perceptions of comfort in response to pictures and videos of unsegregated shared-use paths. Stage 1 established the hierarchy of factors and path characteristics associated with comfort, as well as differences by user type, gender and age. After Stage 1 identified ‘path width’ and ‘volume of users’ as key contributors to perception of comfort, Stage 2 quantified their impact. I collected comfort scores, determining the effect of path width, volume of users, flow direction, type of passerby, and the proportions of cyclists and pedestrians on perceptions of comfort. Two approaches were considered for establishing whether unsegregated shared-use works and in what conditions: one assumed that cyclists and pedestrians should perceive their experience on the positive side of the comfortable spectrum. The second assumed that the facility works as long as cyclists and pedestrians are willing to use it. This research contributed to practical understanding of comfort. It concluded that unsegregated shared-use paths can work but only in specific path width and volume of users circumstances. Where these cannot be met, it explored how it could be compensated through other interventions. The findings can assist transport professionals

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