Whilst roads are shared by motorised and non-motorised road users, the planning, design and operations have focused almost exclusively on the interests of motor vehicle users. Maintaining traffic flows and minimising journey times have been the prime objectives.
Under the Safe System, the needs of vulnerable road users became more important. This is because of the Safe System’s key principle of accepting human tolerance to speeds. For roads shared with active road users – people walking, wheeling and cycling, speeds should not be above 20mph/30kph.
Road danger reduction shifted the focus even more. Beyond safety concerns, there are many reasons why motor vehicle travel should be not just slowed but also deterred.
Based on road danger reduction, the London Vision Zero Action Plan included many actions to rebalance road space in favour of active road users.