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How about sharing a little of that space?

A small town in Germany is deploying a seemingly contradictory plan to decrease traffic accidents on a main road. Drivers in Bohmte can expect to see their busy street stripped of road signs, curbs, sidewalks, and stop lights. Cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists may now live as one on the road.

While cars and trucks barrel through here every day, pedestrians particularly have an annoying experience–waiting five or ten minutes just to cross the street. After implementing this Shared Space traffic-management philosophy, things will be different. One driver who frequents this road in his delivery van says, “the kind of pavement here and the lack of street signs mean everybody has to be considerate of everyone else. It’s about cooperation on the streets.”

This I understand. By taking everything down and making it this sort of free-for-all, you are no longer a zombie driver who merely obeys what the sign tells you to do while ignoring all surroundings. Not to mention, what a beautiful idea. Why should people who choose to travel on feet or two wheels be punished for not driving a car? However. This harmonic way of travel is certainly limited to locale. Small towns…sounds good. Streets of Chicago…take cover.

via Design Observer