Transportation Research Board (TRB) 88th Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA

Wael alhajyaseen's picture
Research Title: 
Methodology for Modeling Pedestrian Platoon Discharge and Crossing Times at Signalized Crosswalks
Authors: 
Alhajyaseen, Wael K M
Authors: 
Nakamura, Hideki
Country: 
USA
Date: 
Thu, 2009-01-01
Research Abstract: 

Optimizing crosswalk configurations including width, position and angle is an important concern to improve the overall performance of signalized intersections. Quantifying the effects of bi-directional flow and crosswalk width on pedestrian walking speed and crossing time is a prerequisite for improving the geometric design and configuration of signalized crosswalks. The time used by a pedestrian platoon to cross a signalized crosswalk is divided into discharge time and crossing time. Discharge time is a function of pedestrian demand and crosswalk width while pedestrian crossing time is basically a function of crosswalk length and walking speed. However when pedestrian demand increases at both sides of the crosswalk, crossing time increases due to interactions between conflicting pedestrian flows. A variety of methods have been developed for determining appropriate pedestrian crossing times. Although many of these methods have useful applications, most of them have shortcomings when considering the effects of bi-directional flow on crossing time. No consideration is given to deceleration or reduction in walking speed that results from the interaction between conflicting flows. Furthermore existing models tend to underestimate the discharge time necessary for a pedestrian platoon waiting at the edge of the crosswalk. This study proposes a new methodology for modeling pedestrian discharge and crossing times. Discharge time is modeled by using shockwave theory while crossing time is modeled by applying aerodynamic drag theory. The developed methodology provides a rational quantification for the effects of bi-directional pedestrian flow and crosswalk geometry on walking speed and crossing time.