Road space reallocation measures for traffic safety have attracted attention recently. In Europe, measures including Shared Space have been implemented. Recent reports have described their effects on traffic safety. However, in Japan, few case examples of measures have been reported. Therefore, little is known about effects and problems associated with these measures. This paper clarifies the effects of road space reallocation on traffic safety based on resident attitudes, and verifies its effects through the investigation of changes in actual traffic conditions.
First, we administered a questionnaire survey at Shinmon-dori Street, where a social experiment for traffic calming had been implemented. Results show that the share of good evaluations of walkability increased. The share of evaluations of drivability was unchanged. Next, we examined the relation between the evaluations and effects of road space reallocation, and clarified that “It became easier for me to walk abreast”, “I became able to walk with a secure feeling”, and “I became able to drive at low speeds” are major effects of the measure. Finally, we conducted pedestrian and vehicle behavior surveys at the street to elucidate these major effects in actual traffic conditions. Results show that pedestrians are more likely to walk abreast and on sidewalks under social experimental conditions than under usual conditions. In addition, results show that drivers drive to the middle of the street. Therefore, pedestrians are able to walk on wider sidewalks with a more secure feeling. However, we were unable to confirm a change of vehicle speeds.