Shared-surface
Definition
A 'shared-surface' is not earmarked for any particular type of user, e.g. walking, cycling, driving, horseback riding, skateboarding, etc. This is related to 'shared-space'. Usually the surface is paved with something that contrasts to the surroundings, e.g. fancy paving slabs, and kerbs are eliminated.
Claimed advantages of 'shared-space' or 'shared-surface' are: equality among users, aesthetics, removal of kerbs.
Claimed disadvantages of 'shared-space' or 'shared-surface' are: motorists tend to threaten other users ('might makes right-of-way') instead of giving way, people with partial sight tend to find it difficult to navigate (no tactile cues, no 'safe space'), there's nothing to stop motorists from abusing the space.
'Shared-space' tends to work best when motor vehicle flows are very low or non-existent. Unfortunately 'shared-space' schemes have been implemented in Britain on some very high-flow, very busy roads. These can be successful from the perspective of traffic-sorting but tend to be very intimidating to vulnerable road users such as people walking or cycling, especially people with disabilities.
