Analyzing pedestrian behavior during exclusive pedestrian phases for improved intersection signal timing

J. C. Medina, E. G. Lo, R. F. Benekohal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Traffic signal timing at signalized intersections with high pedestrian volumes and/or pedestrian safety concerns may include an exclusive pedestrian phase (scramble phase) to safely accommodate pedestrian demands. However, an exclusive pedestrian phase could be a significant source of delay for other modes because all vehicular movements stop during the scramble phase. Better understanding of pedestrian behavior at locations with scramble phases may lead to more efficient signal timing for other modes, while accommodating pedestrians. This paper studies pedestrian behavior based on field data collected at a busy intersection with a scramble phase on a college campus. Individual and groups of pedestrians were analyzed along with their ability to cross at free-flow speed to determine their behavior. Results indicate significant differences in combinations of these categories. 15th percentile speeds for the diagonal and the parallel crossings (4.37ft/s and 4.49 ft/s) were higher than the 3.5 ft/s as recommended by the MUTCD. 15th percentile speeds of pedestrians traveling individually and those in free flow were significantly higher than those traveling in groups and in non-free-flowing conditions. The average speed of individuals in free-flow conditions was not significantly different for parallel crossings but was significantly different for diagonal crossings. In addition, considerably fewer pedestrians crossed diagonally during the clearance interval than along the parallel.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationT and DI Congress 2014
Subtitle of host publicationPlanes, Trains, and Automobiles - Proceedings of the 2nd Transportation and Development Institute Congress
EditorsAmiy Varma, Geoffrey D. Gosling
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Pages410-419
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780784413586
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2nd Transportation and Development Institute Congress - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Connections to Future Developments, T and DI 2014 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jun 8 2014Jun 11 2014

Publication series

NameT and DI Congress 2014: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - Proceedings of the 2nd Transportation and Development Institute Congress

Other

Other2nd Transportation and Development Institute Congress - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Connections to Future Developments, T and DI 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period6/8/146/11/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Mechanics of Materials

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