PEDESTRIAN WALKING SPEEDS: DEMOGRAPHIC AND BEHAVIORAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL DESIGN

Abstract

With pedestrian related traffic fatalities on the rise, the importance of research that explores methods to improve pedestrian safety becomes ever more important. This research examines pedestrian walking speeds and the factors influencing them via comprehensive analysis of over 6000 pedestrians crossing at 13 intersections in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A mixed method approach was implemented that incorporates traditional statistical techniques as well as machine learning methods. The study also investigates how demographic factors, and behavioral elements affect pedestrian movement patterns. Significant variations in walking speeds were found across different pedestrian groups, with an overall average of 4.86 ft/s and a 15th percentile speed of 4.14 ft/s. Age emerged as one of the critical factors, with older (65+) pedestrians (15th percentile speed: 3.57 ft/s) walking much slower than younger pedestrians (15th percentile: 4.22 ft/s). Group dynamics also proved to have a significant impact with individuals walking 0.48 ft/s faster than larger groups. Phone users exhibited slightly slower speeds than those non-distracted (4.84 ft/s). Counterintuitively, headphone users walked faster (5.02 ft/s) than non-distracted pedestrians. These findings are also demonstrated with the Random Forest regression model (R² = 0.274) where group size ranked second at 23% in comparison to crosswalk distance at 35% as the most influential predictors of walking speed, suggesting non- linearity between these variables. The family of curves analysis visualized these distinct walking speeds which provided a statistical basis for demographic-specific design standards. These insights are particularly relevant given the demographic shifts towards an aging population and ever evolving pedestrian behaviors in an increasingly connected urban environment. This research provides evidence-based recommendations for more site-specific design considerations as well as signal timing adjustments, intersection design modifications and distraction countermeasures that would enhance pedestrian safety while maintaining efficient traffic flow.