Examining Pedestrian Critical Gap Analysis at Un-Signalized Midblock Crosswalk Sections in India

Abstract

One way of studying pedestrian-crossing behavior is to estimate critical gap, using accepted/rejected gaps by the pedestrians, which may be indicative of safety levels at pedestrian facilities. This study aims to determine critical gaps using different methods like Raff’s method, Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM), Root Mean Square (RMS) Method, Probability Equilibrium Method (PEM), and Logit method. These methods are then compared to single out the most appropriate one. Five locations in the western part of India are studied, for data collection and selected based on the type of land-use, number of lanes, and carriage-way width. Video cameras were used to capture the mixed traffic flow as well as pedestrian crossing movement at selected sections simultaneously. The study results also conclude that logit method is the most appropriate one for estimating critical gap, as it considers the effect of pedestrian-behavior as well as vehicular characteristics concurrently. There would be a significant difference in estimated critical gap values with and without considering pedestrian behavioral characteristics. The results will help in taking a relook at design parameters for better pedestrian-crossing facilities, thereby improving the existing facilities and enhancing pedestrian safety.