Safety Toolbox: Engineering

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Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

Woonerf

Ghana

Woonerf (Dutch word which means "street for living") is a common space shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and low-speed motor vehicles. They are usually streets raised to the same grade as curbs and sidewalks, and vehicles are slowed by placing trees, planters, parking areas, and other obstacles in the street. Motorists are treated as intruders and must travel at walking speed. A woonerf identification sign is placed at each street entrance.

objective

To make streets available for public use that are only intended for local residents.

applications

It is used for residential or other local streets where volumes are low, limited use, and primarily local access streets. It should also be used for streets where there is a neighborhood desire to create a public space for social activities and play by local residents.

target population

All Pedestrians, All Bicyclists, Motorists

crash type

Excessive Speeds

advantages

• Provides a safe public space for local residents

disadvantages

• Cost may be high

pointers

Emergency vehicle access should be maintained.

cost

High, if retrofitting to create a woonerf, but there would be no extra cost if designed into the original construction.

responsibility

Public Works

further reading

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examples

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related tools

Roadway Narrowing, Bicycle Boulevard

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering