German town’s traffic plan to remove signs, curbs

It seems counterintuitive to give drivers less information, by taking away street signs, stop lights and lane markings, to make them drive more safely. It’s supposed to help reclaim the streets for pedestrians and bicyclists.

…

He compares the Shared Space concept to an ice skating rink. It might look chaotic, but people usually navigate the shared area pretty well. In a traffic context, it means cars, bicyclists and pedestrians are in much closer proximity than they usually are.

I have witnessed this type of cooperative strategy around the world where lanes are merely a suggestion. Seems like it should be chaos but supposedly benefits all involved.