Answering the dilemma of cycle lane versus shared space planning through an agent-based simulation experiment and accessibility equity analysis

This paper explores a vital dilemma about the future of urban road infrastructure: whether to dedicate space for each sustainable transport mode, such as multimodal corridors, or to promote shared street spaces where different users interact. When modeling micro-mobility trips in non-homogeneous road environments, it is crucial to consider factors beyond travel cost and time, with perceived safety being a guiding parameter. Safety concerns may lead to longer travel distances and times, impacting accessibility. For this purpose, a last-mile network developed in Athens, Greece, and a synthetic toy population is utilized as a testbed. The scenarios are simulated by extending MATSim to link perceived safety with mode/route selection and accessibility. Simulation results indicate that extended traffic calming performs best in terms of horizontal equity, as travel times converge to similar levels across all agents, regardless of location, mode, or time of travel. Shared spaces provide a more balanced travel experience for both cars and micro-mobility users, reducing unsafe discontinuities. However, segregation through dedicated cycling lanes may improve accessibility, cause serious modal shifts, and simultaneously result in greater spatial inequities. A combinatorial approach seems to provide a balanced condition over efficiency and equity in the future.