Landscape Design in Clear Zone: Effect of Landscape Variables on Pedestrian Health and Driver Safety

Abstract

The relationship between landscape installations and safety or pedestrian activity was evaluated in pilot studies. The sites selected for study were those adjacent to or within the areas often referred to as the “clear zone” of the transportation corridor, an area shared by pedestrians and driver perception. Case study research on the impact of environmental mitigation on driver safety is summarized to identify the landscape installations in the clear zone that appear to have an effect on safety. This is followed by case study research on the identification of variables that encourage walking for health purposes. Preliminary findings indicate that the improved definition of spatial edge resulting from typical curbside and median landscape treatment in the clear zone appears to solicit positive behavioral responses by either attracting pedestrian activity or improving driver safety. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions from the results because of the small sample sizes in the pilot studies (a pedestrian survey included 52 responses), but indications are that the landscape in the clear zone may be having a positive impact on safety or pedestrian activity under certain circumstances. Both pilot studies were conducted separately in Canada and the United States.