A study was undertaken for Main Roads Western Australia by BSD Consultants, which aimed to develop guidelines for assessing the level of service (LOS) of pedestrian facilities in Western Australia. Guidelines exist for assessing vehicular traffic LOS (Austroads) and cycling LOS (Main Roads WA). The formulation of LOS guidelines for pedestrians completes the LOS framework for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian LOS is an overall measure of walking conditions on a route, path, or facility. This is linked directly to factors that affect mobility, comfort, and safety, reflecting pedestrians' perceptions of the degree to which the facility is 'pedestrian friendly'. A unique model based on several factors affecting pedestrian LOS was developed to facilitate LOS measurement. These factors fall into three categories: physical characteristics, location factors, and user factors. These factors were weighted by relative importance and a LOS scale was developed to describe the LOS of pedestrian routes. Pedestrian conditions are described through a LOS grade from LOS A (ideal pedestrian condition) to LOS E (unsuitable pedestrian conditions), based on an assessment of the factors affecting LOS. The assessment includes desktop and on-site assessment of LOS factors. The development of the model was an iterative process that involved testing and refinement. The research undertaken and the LOS model developed provide a sound basis for the ongoing measurement of LOS for pedestrians. The model not only provides the opportunity to test the LOS provided by a pedestrian route, but also determines which factors contribute to low and high LOS. (Author/publisher)
Abstract