An Investigation of Pedestrian Movement Characteristics at Mid-Block Signalised Crossings

Abstract

This report presents findings of an investigation pedestrian movement characteristics at three pedestrian actuated mid-block signalised crossings in Melbourne, Australia. Two surveys were carried out at each site, one on a weekday and one on the weekend. A survey method was developed and used as part of this project. The main objective of the study was to obtain information on crossing speeds of pedestrians for signal timing purposes, and pedestrian movement start loss and clearance time gain parameters for pedestrian delay and queue calculations. Other information obtained from surveys included the proportions of pedestrians using different signal intervals (Walk, Flashing Don't Walk). The study also investigated characteristics of pedestrians with walking difficulties. The 15th percentile speed for all sites combined is very close to the general design speed of 1.2 m/s recommended by the Australian and US design guides, and the 15th percentile speed for pedestrians with walking difficulty is very close to the design speed of 1.0 m/s recommended by the Australian and US design guides for sites with higher populations of slower pedestrians.