This paper describes a study to explore the behaviour and perceptions of pedestrians when crossing busy arterial roads in shopping strings in Sydney's inner suburbs. The focus of the study was the investigation of the reasons pedestrians choose to use (or not to use) signalised crossings when one is nearby. The major thrust of the study was to provide numeric data which would reinforce, or discredit, intuitive understandings of pedestrian behaviour near crossings in busy shopping centres. This was achieved by direct observation of behaviour (video-taping) and pedestrian interviews to obtain perception data. Four mid-block signals and two intersection signals were surveyed. The results of these surveys showed a complex behaviour pattern which could be better appreciated in the context of traffic signal timing, the dynamics of gap selection and vehicle queuing information. Pedestrians organised their crossing location and timing of crossing to minimise walking distance and delay. Waiting time and diversion distance were seen as deterrents to the use of pedestrian crossings. There were some distinct differences in the behaviour of pedestrians at intersection signals compared with mid-block signals. (A)
Abstract