How to design space where walkers and small vehicles being together:Observation study of driver-pedestrian interaction in two types of mobility-space

Abstract

The development of new types of small vehicles is accelerating. This requires us to create spaces where people and small automobiles can be together safely. In this study, we observed the interactions between small vehicles and pedestrians in an airport and a museum. Using these observations, we analyzed events, which contained either risks or risk-reducing behaviors. Results showed that there were two types of strategies for risk-reducing behaviors, compliance with the driving safety rules regarding mobility, and communication between the driver and surrounding pedestrians. When comparing the two strategies and their related factors, the importance of spatial design for both pedestrians and vehicles is revealed.