Influence of Midblock Pedestrian Crossings on Urban Street Capacity

Abstract

The design of pedestrian crossings is a complex problem that must consider various factors. The basic criterion for determining the choice of a particular type of pedestrian crossing is traffic safety. To improve traffic safety, typical zebra crossings are being reconstructed, usually with implementation of refuge median islands or traffic signals. However, traffic engineers cannot properly take into account the influence of a type of pedestrian crossing on capacity and traffic progression as negative consequences for both pedestrians and vehicles. A study was conducted on the influence of various types of midblock pedestrian crossings on road capacity. Zebra crossings, crossings with refuge median islands, and signalized crosswalks were analyzed. For the evaluation, a simulation model was built in VISSIM and calibrated with research results on driver and pedestrian behavior. Empirical research confirmed the strong influence of regulations and pedestrian crossing types on the behavior of drivers. The results show that willingness to give right of way on urban streets influences capacity reduction and delays. Taking as a basic criterion overall delay for both vehicles and pedestrians, volume limits for implementation of a pedestrian crossing with a median island or traffic signals are proposed.