There’s lots of fun to be had with AI, so we are going to post some Qs to ChatGPT by OpenAI, who we have made friends with lately. (He or she denies this, as you would expect. )
Question
“Lets say a main street has 2500 vehicles flowing in each direction, so 5000 vehicles a day. Even if the vehicles are going quite slow, the number contributes to a feeling that it is not safe to cycle or cross the road. Is there a flow volume that would increase the feeling of safety or does less cars just mean they go that bit faster?”
Answer
The feeling of safety while cycling or crossing a road can be influenced by various factors, including the volume of traffic. While reducing the number of vehicles on the road can contribute to a perception of increased safety, it’s important to consider other factors as well.
In terms of traffic flow, there is a concept known as “traffic calming,” which aims to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. By reducing the speed and volume of vehicles, traffic calming measures can improve safety perceptions. One way to achieve this is by implementing traffic calming techniques such as speed bumps, traffic islands, narrower lanes, or roundabouts. These measures can help reduce the speed of vehicles and encourage more cautious driving behavior.
However, it’s worth noting that simply reducing the number of vehicles without addressing other factors may not necessarily lead to increased safety. When traffic volume decreases, there can be a tendency for some drivers to compensate by driving at higher speeds, potentially negating the perceived safety benefits. Additionally, other factors like the presence of dedicated bicycle lanes, well-marked crosswalks, and appropriate signage are crucial for creating a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Ultimately, achieving a balance between traffic volume, speed, and appropriate infrastructure is essential for creating a safer environment for all road users. It’s advisable to consult traffic engineers and urban planners who can conduct detailed studies and assessments to determine the most effective measures to improve safety on a specific road.
And this is what BARD had to say
Yes, there is a flow volume that would increase the feeling of safety. Studies have shown that people feel less safe crossing a road when there are more vehicles, even if the vehicles are going slower. This is because people have a harder time judging the speed and distance of vehicles when there are more of them. Additionally, people are more likely to be distracted by other things, such as their phones or conversations, when there are more vehicles around.
The amount of traffic that is considered safe to cross a road varies depending on a number of factors, including the speed of the vehicles, the width of the road, and the presence of traffic lights or crosswalks. However, in general, people feel safer crossing a road when there are fewer vehicles.
We followed up with “Is there a heuristic rule of thumb, like 1000 car movements per day? For example our 5000 movements, if reduced by half and assuming additional traffic calming measures were implemented that reduce speeds further?”
While there isn’t a universally applicable heuristic rule of thumb that can be applied to all scenarios, there are some general guidelines and principles that can help inform decisions regarding traffic volume and safety.
One commonly cited guideline is the “20 mph (30 km/h) rule,” which suggests that when vehicle speeds are kept below 20 mph (30 km/h), the risk of fatal accidents for pedestrians and cyclists is significantly reduced. This rule is often used in residential areas or areas with a high concentration of vulnerable road users.
However, it’s important to note that the relationship between traffic volume and perceived safety is complex and depends on various factors such as road design, presence of dedicated cycling infrastructure, pedestrian crossings, and the behavior of road users. Additionally, the specific context and characteristics of the road in question can significantly influence the appropriate traffic volume and speed limits.
To determine the optimal traffic volume and appropriate traffic calming measures for a particular road, it is advisable to consult traffic engineers, urban planners, and transportation experts. These professionals can conduct detailed traffic studies, analyze the road’s characteristics, and consider the specific needs and safety concerns of the area. They will be able to provide more accurate assessments and recommend appropriate measures to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.
And Bard
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the feeling of safety is subjective and depends on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, gender, and experience with traffic. However, studies have shown that people generally feel safer when there are fewer vehicles on the road.
In your example, if the number of vehicle movements were reduced by half, and additional traffic calming measures were implemented, it is likely that there would be a measurable increase in the feeling of safety. This is because people would have more time to react to vehicles, and the vehicles would be moving more slowly.
However, it is important to note that the feeling of safety is not the same as safety. Even if people feel safer, they may still be at risk of being hit by a car. It is important to take all necessary precautions when crossing a road, regardless of the amount of traffic.
Here are some additional factors that can affect the feeling of safety:
- The width of the road. People feel safer when roads are wider, as they have more space to maneuver.
- The presence of traffic lights or crosswalks. Traffic lights and crosswalks can help to ensure that drivers yield to pedestrians.
- The presence of traffic calming measures. Traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps and chicanes, can help to reduce the speed of vehicles and make roads safer for pedestrians.
In the context of residential areas, there’s an idea that they are quite likely to have vulnerable users and so tend to attract calming measures. But vulnerable users (humans generally without an exoskeleton) also use arterial roads and distributor roads and of course High Streets, which taken together are where most reported accidents tend to occur (see the Crash Map below, which understates the actual number – the not reported and the near misses).
127 reported accidents in Dunbar and West Barns in 23 years, but decade on decade accidents are on the decline
Crashmap derived statistics – sourced ay 25th 2023
Reducing daily vehicle volumes might not be such a bad idea, especially as it has other benefits: people on foot are less anxious to get away and spend more, are less stressed about getting a parking ticket, less exposed to pollution, can socialise more etc. In combination a range of small modifications such as road geometry (road width and sightlines), the number of parked vehicles and a shift in driver behaviours to “give way to pedestrians and cyclists”, could help increase the perception of safety.
To finish off we asked DeepAI to “Design a colourful people friendly high street in a town with scottish vernacular buildings”
You must be logged in to post a comment.