Exclusive Pedestrian Phase Research Articles

Unified strategy for cooperative optimization of pedestrian control patterns and signal timing plans at intersections

Pedestrian traffic management and control at intersections is crucial for ensuring traffic safety and efficiency while promoting green transportation development. Numerous studies have been conducted on optimizing signal timing of various pedestrian control patterns, such as exclusive pedestrian phases (EPPs) and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs). However, cooperative optimization of these patterns and the corresponding signal timing is lacking. Hence, this study proposes a unified strategy for the cooperative optimization of pedestrian control patterns and signal timing plans to improve the efficiency and safety of pedestrian–vehicle mixed traffic flow. The existing control patterns, such as EPPs, LPIs, and two-way crossing (TWC), are unified. The safety and efficiency costs are monetized, and the minimization of average costs per traffic participant is taken as the optimization objective. Additionally, decision variables for diagonal crossing at intersections and pedestrian–vehicle priority are introduced to achieve cooperative optimization of the pedestrian control patterns and signal timing plans. The proposed model parameters were calibrated and validated using a real-world case study, and the applicable boundaries of different pedestrian control patterns under different pedestrian and vehicle flow scenarios were identified based on cost difference analysis. The results indicate that the vehicle turn ratio, average vehicle carrying rate, and unit cost ratio dynamically change the applicable boundaries. On average, the proposed method reduced the cost by 2.62% compared with separately optimized EPPs, LPIs, and TWC across various scenarios.

Performance Analysis of One-Level Signalized Urban Intersections with Exclusive Pedestrian Phases and Diagonal Crossings

The exclusive pedestrian (hereinafter P) phase with a diagonal crossing is routinely introduced to improve P safety at high-volume intersections. The article analyses and evaluates the feasibility of the exclusive P phase and diagonal crossing at single-level smaller intersections, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the exclusive P phase and diagonal crossing from the point of view of time losses. In the experimental part, traffic flow modelling is carried out. The traffic flow simulations show that an exclusive P phase is most beneficial in terms of time losses at an intersection with 2+2 lane intersecting streets and ≥ 900 P/hour with ≥ 1600 vehicles/hour (hereinafter V). In addition, an exclusive P phase can be implemented at the small intersections analysed in this paper, where the volume of V is low or medium, regardless of the number of P at the intersection.

Performance Analysis of One-Level Signalized Urban Intersections with Exclusive Pedestrian Phases and Diagonal Crossings

The exclusive pedestrian (hereinafter P) phase with a diagonal crossing is routinely introduced to improve P safety at high-volume intersections. The article analyses and evaluates the feasibility of the exclusive P phase and diagonal crossing at single-level smaller intersections, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the exclusive P phase and diagonal crossing from the point of view of time losses. In the experimental part, traffic flow modelling is carried out. The traffic flow simulations show that an exclusive P phase is most beneficial in terms of time losses at an intersection with 2+2 lane intersecting streets and ≥ 900 P/hour with ≥ 1600 vehicles/hour (hereinafter V). In addition, an exclusive P phase can be implemented at the small intersections analysed in this paper, where the volume of V is low or medium, regardless of the number of P at the intersection.

Comparison of the Performance of Hybrid Traffic Signal Patterns and Conventional Alternatives When Accounting for Both Pedestrians and Vehicles

Traffic control systems are crucial for managing traffic flows. Their main function is to reduce interactions among users for safety reasons, while minimizing the travel times. Researchers often concentrate on the cycle length, whose impact on travel times is directly measurable. However, the choice of the signal pattern may also have a great potential to reduce travel times and unsafe situations. This potential is yet to be thoroughly investigated. In this work, we are interested in comparing different signal patterns in terms of the number of potential conflicts and delay time for both drivers and pedestrians. To this end, we first select three commonly adopted signal patterns, namely the Exclusive Pedestrian Phase (EPP), the Leading Through Interval (LTI) and the Two-Way Crossing (TWC). We then generalize existing methods for measuring user delay and safety for these three signal patterns. Moreover, we investigate a hypothetical hybrid pattern obtained by dynamically adapting the signal pattern to real-time data. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study considering an isolated intersection in Montreal, Canada. We perform computational experiments geared towards determining the best pattern according to ad hoc performance indicators and user flows. Results show that the EPP and LTI patterns generally perform better than TWC. EPP generally outperforms LTI when measuring the number of potential conflicts, while LTI outperforms EPP when considering delay times. Furthermore, the hypothetical hybrid pattern shows a positive but overall limited impact regarding both delay times and number of potential conflicts.

Modeling the Dynamic Exclusive Pedestrian Phase Based on Transportation Equity and Cost Analysis.

The exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) has proven to be an effective method of eliminating pedestrian–vehicle conflicts at signalized intersections. The existing EPP setting conditions take traffic efficiency and safety as optimization goals, which may contribute to unfair interactions between vehicles and pedestrians. This study develops a multiobjective optimization framework to determine the EPP setting criteria, with consideration for the tradeoff between transportation equity and cost. In transportation equity modeling and considering environmental conditions, the transportation equity index is proposed to quantify pedestrian–vehicle equity differences. In cost modeling, traffic safety and efficiency factors are converted into monetary values, and the pedestrian–vehicle interaction is introduced. To validate the proposed optimization framework, a video-based data collection is conducted on wet and dry environment conditions at the selected intersection. The parameters in the proposed model are calibrated based on the results of the video analysis. This study compares the performance of the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA) and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) methods in building the sets of nondominated solutions. The optimization results show that the decrease in transportation equity will lead to an increase in cost. The obtained Pareto front approximations correspond to diverse signal timing patterns and achieve a balance between optimizing either objective to different extents. The sensitivity analysis reveals the application domains for the EPP and the traditional two-way control phase (TWC) under different vehicular/pedestrian demand, yielding rate, and environment conditions. The EPP control is more suitable at intersections with high pedestrian volumes and low yielding rates, especially in wet conditions. The results provide operational guidelines for decision-makers for properly selecting the pedestrian phase pattern at signalized intersections.

Evaluation of Exclusive Pedestrian Phase Safety Performance at One-Level Signalized Intersections in Vilnius

This work aims to identify the effectiveness of one-level signalized intersections with exclusive pedestrian phases in terms of vehicle-pedestrian crashes resulting in pedestrian injury or fatality. The work analyzes and evaluates specific exclusive pedestrian phases without diagonal crossing possibility at one-level signalized intersections in the city of Vilnius. Anonymized data on traffic accidents from the Lithuanian Police Department Accident Register were used for safety analysis purposes. The traffic accident data cover all traffic accidents with dead or injured persons. The traffic accident data was analyzed with the help of QGIS for selected time intervals (before and after analysis). The density of traffic accidents was calculated with the help of the comparative analysis method at 11 signalized intersections in Vilnius City, where an exclusive pedestrian phase without diagonal crossing was implemented. An exclusive pedestrian phase with diagonal crossing is usually implemented to increase pedestrian safety at a signalized intersection with a high pedestrian intensity. The analysis carried out indicates that the specific exclusive pedestrian phase without diagonal crossings in Vilnius reduced pedestrian traffic accidents by up to 100%. No traffic accidents occurred after the installation of the exclusive pedestrian phase at intersections where there were no pedestrian accidents prior to the installation.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ РЕГУЛИРУЕМЫХ ПЕРЕКРЁСТКОВ ПУТЁМ ВВЕДЕНИЯ ВЫДЕЛЕННОЙ ПЕШЕХОДНОЙ ФАЗЫ

The study examines the issue of improving road safety by separating traffic and pedestrian flows. On the example of the Russian city of Tyumen, the main Respublika street is analyzed, where intersections with an exclusive pedestrian phase with the possibility of crossing diagonally are identified. An experiment was carried out to establish the proportion of pedestrians crossing in a diagonal direction. At the same time, it was found that at the intersections under study, this type of transition does not comply with the traffic rules. On the basis of the implemented research, options for improving the regulation of pedestrian flows are proposed, including for bringing them into compliance with traffic rules.

Pedestrian crossing in crossroads with exclusive pedestrian phase - world experiences

Pedestrians are one of the most endangered and vulnerable groups of participants in traffic. In order to increase their safety, different kinds of management measures are applied. Exclusive pedestrian phase represents a measure from a group of technical traffic regulations and implies complete time separation of pedestrian flow from wheel flow. The object of this paper is to analyse world experience in applying exclusive pedestrian phase in order to understand effects on safety of pedestrians in traffic and to apply it in our conditions.

Multi-objective optimization of a single intersection

ABSTRACT Algorithms for optimizing traffic operations at a single intersection consider mostly one objective function (often vehicle delays). Such an approach can lead to long pedestrian waiting times as well as reducing safety conditions at the intersection. In this paper, a multicriteria optimization approach to the single intersection traffic control problem is presented. The trade-off algorithm between vehicle and pedestrian delay, under a fixed time control model, is developed. The metaheuristic Bee Colony Optimization (BCO), inspired by bee behavior in nature, is incorporated in the proposed approach. To solve the multicriteria optimization problem an interactive algorithm is used. The proposed approach is tested on an appropriate numerical example. Results show that by worsening vehicle delays, pedestrian delays can be improved, particularly under phase plans with an exclusive pedestrian phase. Future research should consider the inclusion of the safety exposure of vehicles and pedestrians into the proposed methodology.

Conditions for Setting Exclusive Pedestrian Phases at Two-Phase Signalized Intersections considering Pedestrian-Vehicle Interaction

In order to analyze the effectiveness of setting exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) under different vehicle yielding rates, the effect of EPPs on traffic efficiency is studied and a setting condition of EPP considering pedestrian-vehicle interaction is proposed in this paper. First, the main factors influencing the behavior of vehicles and pedestrians during pedestrian-vehicle interaction are analyzed, and a pedestrian-vehicle interaction (PVI) model at the crosswalk of urban road is established. Second, assuming that vehicle arrival obeys the Poisson distribution, the delay models of vehicle passengers and pedestrians crossing the street at the intersection are established, and taking the total delay of traffic participants as the main index, the setting condition of EPP are proposed. Third, based on the video of pedestrian-vehicle interaction at crosswalks, the parameters of the proposed model are calibrated. Through sensitivity analysis, the change of the total delay of traffic participants is analyzed under different conditions of pedestrian and vehicle arrival rates. Finally, by introducing pedestrian-vehicle interaction rules, a cellular automata (CA) simulation platform of pedestrian-vehicle interaction in crosswalk is established; based on the field data of Shanghai, a simulation model of intersection is established, and the total delay, queue length, and vehicle throughput under conventional signal control plan and EPP plan are compared. The results show that the pedestrian-vehicle interaction process has a great influence on the total delay of traffic participants at intersections, and pedestrian-vehicle interaction should be considered in the setting conditions of EPP. Under the same condition of vehicular flow, the more the pedestrian flow is, the smaller the delay increment will be. The higher the vehicle yielding rate is, the smaller the delay increment will be after setting EPP.

Условия эффективного применения выделенных пешеходных фаз

This article analyses researches of the effectiveness of exclusive pedestrian phases and diagonal pedestrian crossings. The conditions for effective use of exclusive pedestrian phases and diagonal pedestrian crossings, as well as the traffic and pedestrians` conflicting volumes require clarification based on special research data, the relevance of which is obvious.

Investigating the applicability of exclusive pedestrian phase at two‐phase actuated controlled intersections

SummaryThe exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) has been used in many countries to promote walking around downtown areas by increasing the ease and convenience of pedestrian crossing. However, its applicability has not been systematically demonstrated, especially when an intersection is operated in actuated mode. This paper presents an extensive simulation‐based analysis of the applicability of EPP as compared with a normal concurrent pedestrian‐phase pattern at an isolated intersection controlled by actuated logic. Actuated signal control logics for EPP‐actuated and conventional concurrent pedestrian phase‐actuated controls are developed. Both of these control logics consider pedestrian crossing demands and can adapt to changes in vehicle traffic to reduce vehicle delay as well. A simulation model of a two‐phase controlled intersection is built and calibrated based on field data using VISSIM (PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG in Karlsruhe, Germany). Extensive analysis is conducted to reveal fully the applicable EPP domain in terms of vehicle traffic demand, pedestrian demand, vehicle turning ratio, and pedestrian diagonal crossing ratio. The results show that the performance and applicable domain of EPP are jointly determined by those five factors. EPP significantly outperforms concurrent pedestrian phase if the vehicle turning ratio is greater than 0.6 and the pedestrian diagonal crossing ratio is greater than 0.6. These results can help traffic engineers in choosing the appropriate pedestrian‐phase patterns at actuated signalized intersections. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optimization of pedestrian phase patterns and signal timings for isolated intersection

This paper establishes quantitative criteria for selecting pedestrian phase patterns between the exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) and the normal two-way crossing (TWC) with both safety and efficiency factors traded-off in an economic evaluation framework. The safety effect is assessed by modeling the number of pedestrian-vehicle exposures and pedestrian violations (i.e., pedestrian noncompliance) based on the traffic conflict technique (TCT); and the operational efficiency is measured with a new model considering pedestrian delay due to signal, conflicts, and detour. Both safety and efficiency performance indices are converted to monetary values in an integrated model to simultaneously select pedestrian phase patterns and optimize signal timings of an intersection with two phases. Case study results have shown the promising property of the proposed approach to assist transportation professionals in properly selecting pedestrian phase patterns at signalized intersections.

Analysis on Pedestrian Speed at Signalized Intersections with Exclusive Pedestrian Phases

To analyze the pedestrian speed of at signalized intersections with exclusive pedestrian phases, data of pedestrian speed at 3 typical signalized intersections in Weihai were collected by video survey and artificial measurement and statistical analysis were conducted by SPSS. Influence factors including gender, different time and stage when pedestrian crossing the street. The 15th percentile speed of pedestrians crossing intersection was put forward which may provide theoretical base for the conformation of pedestrian green light of signalized intersections with exclusive pedestrian phases.

APPRAISAL OF AIRPORT ROUNDABOUT ON THE ANTOA ROAD, KUMASI-GHANA USING MICRO SIMULATION MODEL

Roundabouts have become increasingly popular in rec ent years as an innovative operational and safety s olution at both low volume and high volume intersections. Roundabouts have a nof advantages over traffic signals depending on the conditions. They reduce the severity of crashes since head-on and ri ght-angle conflicts are nearly eliminated. They red uce through traffic speeds to provide a “calmer” roadway environment. This study appraised Airport roundabout on the Antoa Road in K umasi, Ghana using micro simulation model. Traffic and geometric data were collected on the field. The analysis revealed that Airport roundabout was operating at a level of service F, which represente d worst conditions. Signalized intersection with 4 approach lanes on the two principal arterials was proposed to control all the movements. Exclusive pedestrian phases were prop osed to protect pedestrians.

Optimization of pedestrian phase patterns at signalized intersections: a multi‐objective approach

SUMMARYThis paper presents a multi‐objective optimization model and its solution algorithm for optimization of pedestrian phase patterns, including the exclusive pedestrian phase (EPP) and the conventional two‐way crossing (TWC) at an intersection. The proposed model will determine the optimal pedestrian phase pattern and the corresponding signal timings at an intersection to best accommodate both vehicular traffic and pedestrian movements. The proposed model is unique with respect to the following three critical features: (1) proposing an unbiased performance index for comparison of EPP and TWC by explicitly modeling the pedestrian delay under the control of TWC and EPP; (2) developing a multi‐objective model to maximize the utilization of the available green time by vehicular traffic and pedestrian under both EPP or TWC; and (3) designing a genetic algorithm based heuristic algorithm to solve the model. Case study and sensitivity analysis results have shown the promising property of the proposed model to assist traffic practitioners, researchers, and authorities in properly selecting pedestrian phase patterns at signalized intersections. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SANTASI ROUNDABOUT, KUMASI-GHANA USING MICRO SIMULATION MODEL

Roundabouts are an increasingly popular alternative to traffic signals for intersection control in the United States. Roundabouts have a number of advantages over traffic signals dependi ng on the conditions. They reduce the severity of c rashes since head-on and rightangle conflicts are nearly eliminated. They reduce through traffic speeds to provide a “calmer” roadwa y environment. They may consume less land area since turn pocket lanes are not needed and also have lower energy and maintenan ce costs. This study evaluated performance of Santasi roundab out in Kumasi, Ghana using micro simulation model. Traffic and geometric data were collected on the field. The analysis revealed that Santasi roundabout was operating at a level of service F, which represented worst conditions. Signalized intersection with 4 ap proach lanes was proposed to control all the moveme nts. Exclusive pedestrian phases were proposed to protect pedestrians . Index Terms : Performance evaluation, Santasi roundabout, Capac ity analysis, Transportation network performance

Pedestrian Timing Alternatives and Impacts on Coordinated Signal Systems Under Split-Phasing Operations

Split phasing can sometimes be more efficient in serving vehicular traffic under certain geometric and traffic flow conditions, such as the case in which a high volume of left-turning traffic is served from a sharedlane configuration. However, pedestrian crossing-time requirements can have a significant impact on intersection operations, especially in coordinated signal systems. Various alternatives for providing pedestrian timings under split-phasing operations are presented. The advantages and disadvantages, implementation strategies, and potential impact on intersection operations, especially on coordinated signal systems, are addressed with regard to each timing alternative. Further, the concept of the two-stage crossing design and the use of an exclusive pedestrian phase under split-phasing operations are investigated. The proposed model can be used to determine when exclusive pedestrian phasing can actually improve operational efficiency.