The project:

Shared spaces are used by more than one transport mode. While most research has focussed on shared spaces involving the dominant mode, motorised vehicles, settings in which only active transport modes, such as pedestrians and cyclists mix are far more common. Understanding when and how shared space settings are a viable alternative to segregated traffic is important for urban planning and extremely timely considering the need for modal shift to reduce carbon emissions. The trialling of E-scooters in the UK adds another potential pressure on spaces shared between different active transport modes that needs to be investigated.

This project aims to use both microscopic and macroscopic modelling to numerically investigate the safety and level of service in shared spaces. Microscopic models describe the movements of individuals, whereas macroscopic models aggregate over individuals, and describe flows, counts, or densities, for example. The key novelty of the microscopic modelling approach is a focus on a realistic treatment of variability in individuals’ behaviour, modelled by appropriately introducing noise in simulations. It is hypothesised that this behavioural variability is crucial to capture events such as near-misses that are immediately important for traffic participants’ perception of safety. Macroscopic models will be used in conjunction with data (that is available for this project from automated sensors) to scope the possible dynamical states mixed traffic facilities can attain. This perspective will facilitate mapping out typical and extremal level of service scenarios. Taken together this modelling program will provide a holistic perspective on the level of service of the shared spaces investigated in this project.

Students can expect to be embedded in a vibrant international research community, and to learn a wealth of highly transferrable technical and soft skills.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact the project supervisor.

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions [email protected]

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply . Please select Engineering Mathematics (PhD) on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of any studentship you would like to be considered for in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.