Assessing Traffic Characteristics for Safe Pedestrian Crossings: Developing Warrants for Sustainable Urban Safety

Abstract

The escalating urbanisation fuelled by population growth and economic expansion has triggered a notable surge in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, amplifying their interaction. Nonetheless, inadequate research, investment, and prioritisation have engendered inefficient pedestrian crossing infrastructures. This study endeavours to bridge this gap by crafting tailored warrants suited to Indian traffic dynamics, facilitating the implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities. Employing PV2 threshold value analysis, this study scrutinises pedestrian behavioural traits, such as gap acceptance and waiting time. Additionally, K-means clustering analysis delineates distinct levels of severity (LOSe), grounded in variables encompassing vehicular and pedestrian flow, gap acceptance, and waiting time. By establishing the nexus between vehicular volume and gap acceptance and vehicular volume and waiting time, a spectrum of PV2 threshold values is delineated. These LOS categories guide the selection of pedestrian facilities, ensuring secure pedestrian–vehicle interactions. Leveraging PV2 charts and vehicular volume assessments, our research identifies fitting pedestrian crossing infrastructures, thereby bolstering road safety for pedestrians and vehicles, underpinning sustainable urban mobility.