The Scottish Executive commissioned research to identify factors associated with a range of pedestrian crossing facilities that might encourage or discourage walking in urban areas. The research involved conducting a series of surveys in different geographical locations throughout Scotland. The research consisted of an on-street survey of the general public; a self completion survey of school children; and surveys of pedestrians with a range of mobility impairments. The main aims of this study were: to explore pedestrians; perceptions of how different types of road crossing facility affect their walking journey; to establish pedestrians' priorities in road crossing provision and the tradeoffs they make between safety and mobility; to identify which types of crossing have the greatest and least effects on pedestrians' mobility; and to make recommendations on how pedestrian crossing facilities might be better used to reflect pedestrian needs, encourage walking journeys and contribute to local walking strategies. (Author/publisher)
Abstract