Author: Bern Grush
Date: November 30, 2024
When a city is planning its infrastructure to be more suitable to micromobility*, it should also be thinking about making space for public-area mobile robots (PMRs). The Urban Robotics Foundation urges municipal planners to consider a shared space strategy. Micromobility already requires rethinking street/pathway design and most PMRs—at least those on wheels—have similar design considerations. So, there is clear potential for integrated, multi-use pathway design.
For space allocation, if you were already counting on 3-5% of your urban transportation infrastructure for micromobility, consider an additional percentage or two of dedicated mobility space to incorporate PMR needs. In fact, the less you want to rely on the use of large motor vehicles, the more space you will need for micromobility and PMRs. The more sustainable and environmentally-friendly you want your city to be, the more space you will want to allocate for people to enjoy access to micromobility devices and PMRs.
Think about how to organize this space so that it could be shared, understanding that movement will be complicated, as speeds will range from 3-5 kph for pedestrians to several times that for e-bikes. There may be some stretches for only lower speeds and others less comfortable for pedestrians. There are already too many instances in cities where bikes mix with pedestrians to the discomfort of all. Such vexations nudge people back into cars.
You’ll need to maximize predictability and consistency in pathway widths and surface transitions, while minimizing awkward placement of poles, trees, bins, signs, transit shelters and hydrants. Strive for clear demarcation zones, minimal grade changes, and sensor-friendly surface textures. Use clear visual and physical separation between human and robotic traffic flows where they are to be separate and clear surface marking where they merge or cross.
Also consider integrated charging/maintenance zones for micromobility and PMR fleets. Anticipatory foresight and proactive design means reduced retrofit costs, improved safety outcomes, an enhanced urban mobility ecosystem and greater degree of future-proofing for your transportation infrastructure.
*Micromobility Definition:
According to the US Federal Highway Administration: Because micromobility is still a relatively new and emerging mobility option, there are various definitions in use of what constitutes "micromobility." Building upon the Society of Automotive Engineers International's Taxonomy and Classification of Powered Micromobility Vehicles, the Federal Highway Administration broadly defines micromobility as any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.
Other definitions of micromobility focus primarily on powered micromobility devices and characterize these devices as partially or fully motorized, low-speed (typically less than 30 miles [48 kilometers] per hour), and small size (typically less than 500 pounds [230 kilograms] and less than 3 feet [1 meter] wide).
Action Items:
The Urban Robotics Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing stakeholders together to help ensure that everyone understands the opportunities and challenges of public-area mobile robots (PMRs). We are striving to build a global network focused on learning how PMRs can contribute to improved livability in urban ecosystems. We invite you to join us, review our guidebooks, and to register for our upcoming webinars and workshops.
Comentários