Analysis of Pedestrian Crossing Speed at Signalized and Non-Signalized Crosswalk: A Case Study of Central Station to Str. Tzar Osvobotiel Road of Ruse City

Abstract

Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern on our roadways, as pedestrians are inherently vulnerable when navigating traffic. In Bulgaria, this research underscores the necessity of prioritizing pedestrian safety in roadway design and traffic control measures. The study's core objective was to analyze pedestrian crossing behaviour and identify optimal locations for pedestrian crossings to enhance overall road safety. A notable finding of the study was the significant influence of crosswalk type on pedestrian crossing speeds. Pedestrians were observed to cross streets more rapidly at signalized crosswalks, highlighting the efficacy of traffic control devices in regulating pedestrian movements. Moreover, the study delved into the influence of age and gender on pedestrian crossing speeds. It revealed that children and adult pedestrians were the fastest groups in terms of crossing speeds, while elderly pedestrians exhibited notably slower speeds. Notably, at non-signalized crosswalks, adult females were the slowest demographic, both in comparison to adult males and in comparison, to both male and female children. In a broader context, the study unveiled that male pedestrians, on the whole, demonstrated significantly faster crossing speeds than their female counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights for road planners and policymakers in Bulgaria, aiming to create safer and more efficient road systems that cater to the unique needs of pedestrians while considering the various factors that influence their crossing behaviours.