Patterns of Cyclist and Pedestrian Street Crossing Behavior and Safety on an Urban Greenway.

Christopher Anderson,Jeanette Gustat,Skylar Lewis,Amanda Zimmerman,John Marmion

doi:10.3390/ijerph16020201

Christopher Anderson, Jeanette Gustat + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16020201

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Abstract

Greenways are linear open spaces, which are often used as trails for pedestrians and cyclists, but junctions with roads are a safety concern and act as a potential impediment to active transportation. This study evaluated crossing behavior patterns and safety at greenway–road junctions in New Orleans, LA. Crossing behaviors, safety and motor vehicle behavior were collected using direct observation methods. Intercept surveys were conducted to assess greenway use and safety perceptions. Logistic and negative binomial regression were used to assess the relationships between crossing signal (rectangular rapid flash beacon) activation and motor vehicle behavior. Fewer unsafe crossings occurred when the crossing signals were activated for cyclists and pedestrians (p-values of 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). There was no association between pedestrian use of crossing signals and motor vehicle stopping behavior but cyclists had significantly higher odds of motor vehicles failing to stop when the signal was activated (OR 5.12, 95% CI 2.86–9.16). The activation of rectangular rapid flash beacons at urban greenway junctions with roads did not influence motor vehicle behavior. Differences in crossing safety by signal use cannot be attributed to the signal’s influence on motor vehicle stopping behavior.

Highlights

Physical activity is an important behavior that promotes health, with increased physical activity being associated with decreased cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health disorders [1,2,3,4].the majority of adults in the United States do not currently achieve the recommended levels of physical activity [5].Efforts at promoting physical activity have produced only marginal improvements in population level activity [6], which has led to the development of theories of physical activity behavior to inform future promotion activities [7,8]
There were no significant differences in the proportion of motor vehicles in each category of motor vehicle behavior when comparing the data collected on 1 December when the rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB) was activated and not activated
Prior research has demonstrated that RRFBs can improve motor vehicle yielding to pedestrians and cyclists, but those improvements have not been consistently observed in the literature

Summary

Introduction

Efforts at promoting physical activity have produced only marginal improvements in population level activity [6], which has led to the development of theories of physical activity behavior to inform future promotion activities [7,8]. Guided by the concept of behavior settings, identifying contexts in which individuals choose between active and inactive behaviors, such as transportation, is important for understanding how environmental factors can influence physical activity behavior [7]. Understanding these contexts will enhance physical activity promotion efforts and help to address the population health burden of insufficient physical activity [9].

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