Citation

Yannis GD, Kanellaidis G, Dimitropoulos J, Muhlrad N. ITE J. 2007; 77(12): 40-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper assesses the extent to which pedestrian safety measures affect the interaction between pedestrians and traffic. It also proposes a set of interventions, especially technical non-restrictive measures, with a net positive impact on pedestrian safety. Pedestrian measures in 6 representative Western European countries were considered and assessed in terms of their effectiveness and restrictiveness. Measures were categorized into four areas: management of vehicle traffic, provision or improvement of pedestrian infrastructure, improvement of road user perception, and education and enforcement. Among the most promising technical non-restrictive pedestrian safety measures were protection of sidewalk against unwanted use, refuge, median opening, signal push-button at convenient height for wheelchairs, and anti-slip walking path surface. It was demonstrated that pedestrian safety cannot be improved without some tradeoff in travel conditions and mobility. The authors also suggest that pedestrian safety measures be implemented as a consistent and comprehensive policy rather than as piecemeal, isolated improvements.