A Study of Pedestrian Characteristics at Traffic Signals

Abstract

Pedestrian and motor vehicle activity varies both spatially and temporally throughout all transportation networks. A recent Engineering Masters study analysed pedestrian behaviours and characteristics at three signalised intersections in Invercargill during different periods of the day and week. The study achieved the following findings:

1) The determination of 5th and 15th percentile walking speeds for different width signalised crosswalks. The current setting used by practitioners in NZ is 1.2 m/s.

2) The determination of average pedestrian delay intervals for non-compliant and compliant pedestrian movements at different width signalised crosswalks during various times of the day. These values have been compared with results from a similar NZTA research project for other cities in NZ.

3) The determination of values for the percentage of non-compliant pedestrian movements at different width signalised crosswalks. A measure of risk for these non-compliant pedestrian movements was also assigned , based on estimated time to collision Surveys were also undertaken of motivations behind non-compliance and general understanding of pedestrian facilities in NZ.

The findings indicate that pedestrian age, road width, time of day and trip purpose can all affect compliance rates, delay lengths and walking speeds at signalised crosswalks. This has implications for future design of pedestrian facilities.