How can multimodal networks be designed to improve safety?

Vision Zero & Urban Mobility: Singapore stands as a benchmark in designing streets that prioritize safety amidst urban challenges. By integrating technology, meticulous planning, and community engagement, they have significantly reduced traffic fatalities. Their initiatives, like the real-time traffic management system and the “Use Your RoadSense” campaign, showcase a profound commitment to life and safety. The essence of Vision Zero is that it’s both a goal and a mindset. Urban designs must account for human errors, ensuring they don’t result in tragedies. It’s a call to place human well-being at the center of urban planning decisions. #VisionZero #Singapore #SafeCities

In the UK, we've made progress in contributing to the Vision Zero movement. In 2019 we set a target of zero road deaths by 2050 via the "Road to Zero" strategy. Innovative technology, like Intelligent Speed Assistance & Automated Emergency Braking, has reduced accidents & set global standards. Public engagement & education campaigns, such as "THINK!", have raised awareness & changed behaviors. We improved road infrastructure, prioritized data-driven decision-making, & fostered collaborative partnerships among stakeholders. We aim to inspire other nations in our pursuit of a world where no one is harmed on our roads. Vision Zero is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create safer and more sustainable transportation systems globally

The key to a safe multimodal network is the intermodal connections. Even for normal roads, some of the most problematic issues are related to pedestrian and bicycle crossings. It is widely observed that the proportion of traffic crashes for modes, other than cars, is very low. However, the severity of the crashes involving those modes is substantially high. Looking closely at those crashes would reveal the problem of providing safe crossing and interaction spots between different modes of transport. Therefore, I would say that providing exclusive right-of-ways for different modes, and strict regulation (grade-separated or signalized) of crossings would result in a safer and more efficient multimodal transport network.

Transportation network design that provides space for all users sends the message that every mode of travel is welcome. When we, as motorists, see space designated for pedestrians, bicycles, delivery vehicles, and transit we are reminded to respect that space and those other travelers.

The Safe System approach is reshaping global road safety, and the UK is actively embracing this paradigm shift. It emphasizes shared responsibility, acknowledging that mistakes will happen, and road systems must mitigate their impact. Why it matters: It recognizes that road safety is a collective effort, aligning with a global move towards comprehensive road safety. Challenges and progress: Despite challenges, the UK has seen a decline in road fatalities, reflecting the success of our efforts. The way forward: As transport professionals, we must advocate for, implement, and innovate in the Safe System. It's a holistic transformation of road safety and a commitment to creating safer roads for all.

The UK has made strides in incorporating Complete Streets principles into urban planning & development. Cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have been at the forefront of adopting these concepts. Pedestrian zones, cycling infrastructure, and transit-oriented development projects are becoming increasingly common sights in our urban centers. Challenges and the Path Forward: While we shown progress, there are still challenges to overcome. Striking the right balance between various road users, securing funding, & navigating the complexities of urban planning can be daunting. However, these challenges should not deter us. Instead, they should motivate to find innovative solutions that make Complete Streets a reality across the nation.

Complete streets will be most elegant if automated photo taking lights exist to fine those that violate the safety speeds and with curbs or heavy rocks bordering the walking pedestrians, cyclist from the moving vehicles protecting them from a vehicle movement failure intentionally or unintentionally.

In my view, grasping the complexities of transportation interactions is paramount. Tools such as PTV Vissim provide invaluable insights through traffic simulations, offering a clear picture of how vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists coexist. This clarity aids in early identification of safety issues. Moreover, the swift data processing abilities of Artificial Intelligence stand out as transformative. By analyzing historical traffic and accident data, AI offers foresight into potential risk areas, allowing for proactive safety interventions. This ensures potential threats are addressed even before they manifest.

To create an elegant Network connectivity infrastructure multimodal network designers will have to have conducted real, on the ground reconnaissance along the path routes via walking, wheelchair, bicyle, motorcycle, car, 18wheeler truck, pickup truck, dump truck, ect. This will be necessary in order to observe, write down, photo and obtain defitiencies that will need to be reported to repair or improve the route to the municipality or company responsible, possibly, to improve the route, with the mindset of the end user 's safety, time and convenience.

Network legibility focuses on three key aspects: Clear Wayfinding: In the UK, road signage and transportation hubs are being improved to provide clear and intuitive directions, ensuring travelers can easily navigate. User-Centered Design: Infrastructure is designed with users in mind, incorporating pedestrian-friendly crossings, accessible transit stations, and cycling lanes to accommodate various modes of transport seamlessly. Digital Integration: The UK leads in developing digital platforms and apps for real-time transportation information, enhancing access to public transit, traffic updates, and alternative routes.

In my humble view, (urban) transport safety cannot be seen in isolation and is often a function of safety in our cities ie city districts, public spaces and neighborhoods, at large. Well lit and visually connected spaces, priority for slower moving traffic (especially pedestrian and non motorized modes), mixed use and transit oriented development, and ethical surveillance are all indeed contributors for safety in and beyond the transport networks.

Most of the streets are not numbered properly and epileptic mobile network system is also a major issue. Hence the effectiveness of logistics and transportation concerning this aspect is in a great jeopardy. Lackadaisical attitudes of government workers and lack of proper supervisions is also an aspect to look into.

An opinion from my side for improving the design safety of multimodal networks is the consideration of designing a fast and easily maintainable system. For example, if the maintenance works require a long time to maintain and/or fix, the network users may behave aggressively against the mode of transportation and make reckless actions/moves to reach their destination quickly and on time. So the unexpected behavior may cause safety threats to users. So the consideration of designing a system that is easy and fast to maintain will improve the safety of the multimodal network.

A problem we face is persuading political decision makers to back effective safety schemes. Too often schemes have been blocked because they are seen as vote losers or they will attract media criticism. Many schemes are effective because they force a significant number of people to behave differently; drive more slowly, prevent them from taking unsuitable direct routes, park further away in a safer place. I have seen a number of schemes modified by politicians to the point where they become far less effective in order to make them more publicly acceptable.