Crossing Behaviour of Social Groups: Insights from Observations at Non-signalised Intersection

Abstract

Environmental, demographical and psychological factors have a demonstrated impact on risky crossing behaviour. In this work we focus on the potential influence of social factors on the considered phenomenon (i.e., group crossing decision). We present the results of a video-recorded observation about the crossing behaviour of singles and dyads at non-signalised intersections. The results showed that crossing behaviour is characterised by three distinct phases: (i) approaching, (ii) appraising (decision making) and (iii) crossing. Dyads walk slower than single pedestrians in all phases. The crossing behaviour of dyads is characterised by the emergence of a leader who takes the decision to cross first, followed by the companion. However, there is no difference between the accepted safety gap of singles and dyads. Understanding factors influencing the crossing decision of social groups represents an important result supporting the development of agent-based simulations of pedestrian–vehicle interactions.