An assessment of the available simulation models for the planning and design of safe urban intersections for pedestrians and cyclists

The Norwegian transport planning agenda is moving towards creating supportive conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. It is also a policy directive that all future growth in traffic in the urban regions should be absorbed by sustainable transport modes i.e. public transport, cycling and walking. In light of these developments, the Norwegian Road Authority is keen on adopting tools to model the flow of pedestrians and cyclists in the urban intersections to effectively minimise traffic accidents. This report presents detail information on the available (and forthcoming) simulation tools which may be used for the planning and design of road junctions and crossings. We identify key considerations for the capability of software tools if they are to be used for effective junction design involving (potentially large numbers of) pedestrians and cyclists, together with motor vehicles. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) funded this study through the BEST project, which looks into traffic safety issues in Norway.