Key Mechanisms behind Pedestrian Dynamics: Individual and Collective Patterns of Motion

Abstract

Locomotion consists of cyclic events controlled by the neuronal activity of networks called central pattern generators. For a correct management of pedestrian flows, under regular or safety-critical situations, a deep understanding of individual and crowd dynamics is crucial. Here, we examine the emergence of walking and running forms of human gait. Individual locomotion and its interaction with other pedestrians is studied. Another key aspect examined is the self-organization experienced by a group of individuals which is a key concept to understand crowd dynamics. Self-organization leads to emergent properties, meaning that the whole system has characteristics that differ qualitatively from those of the component parts. The mechanisms behind the emergence of self-organized pattern of motion are also studied.