An evaluation of shared space locations in Norway

"Shared space" means that the squares and streets are shared between different groups of road users without or with limited use of signs, markings and physical separation. Instead of clear rules and regulates of rights to different road sites, the idea is that road users should interact or negotiate to find concrete solutions in terms of who should give way and who should pass first. In this project, commissioned by the Norwegian Public Roads administration, we have evaluated six areas in Norway which are in more or less degree designed for Shared Space principles: St. Olav's place in Oslo, Bekkestua center in Bærum, Strømsø square in Drammen, Markens street in Kristiansand, Nordre street in Trondheim and Torggata (street) in Oslo. The results show that Torggata and Nordre street to a small extent acts as Shared space. Nordre street functions as a pure pedestrian street. Torggata has very many conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. The other areas have few conflicts. Road users are generally satisfied with the design, and most happy at Strømsø square and on Bekkestua. The results confirm that Shared space solutions may work well if achieving low speed, a balance between road users groups and an even distribution in who yields to whom.