Analyzing Pedestrian Crossing Speeds in Urban Area of Hua Hin : A Comparative Study of Signalized and Unsignalized Crosswalks

Abstract

The traffic in urban areas is influenced by four primary factors: roads, cars, human behavior, and environmental conditions. The human factors are varied and erratic, yet crucial for traffic management. Consequently, the design of crosswalks and pedestrian traffic signals is essential as they ensure pedestrian safety. This article studies pedestrian speed at four crosswalks in Hua Hin City, comparing locations with and without traffic signals situated on a four-lane roadway featuring a median strip and a crosswalk between road segments. Two crosswalks have traffic signals installed, while the other two do not. We performed weekday video recordings to analyze 450 pedestrians crossing speeds. We assessed the distance and duration required to traverse the crosswalk from one side of the road to the other during peak hours (07:00-08:00) and off-peak hours (10:00-11:00).  We assessed crosswalk speeds by calculating standard deviations, average speeds, and the 15th and 85th percentiles of crossings. We examined the acquired data to compare crossing speeds across different scenarios, considering three primary factors: 1. Attributes of crosswalks equipped with traffic signals against those without; 2. Attributes of pedestrians, taking into account gender, age demographics, and personal items when traversing; and 3. Conduct of individuals crossing solo or in groups. The data analysis indicated a disparity in speed between crosswalks equipped with traffic lights and those without. The mean speed at crosswalks equipped with traffic signals was 1.55 meters per second, whereas the mean speed at crosswalks lacking traffic signals was 1.46 meters per second. The analysis of the crosser indicated that various genders demonstrated comparable velocities at crosswalks. Males exhibited an average speed of 1.48 meters per second, while females had an average speed of 1.46 meters per second. Various age groups displayed distinct speeds at crosswalks. Individuals under 20 years exhibited an average speed of 1.39 meters per second; those aged 21 to 60 years show an average speed of 1.52 meters per second; and individuals beyond 60 years recorded an average speed of 1.46 meters per second. Individuals crossing exhibited an average speed of 1.62 meters per second, whereas those crossing in groups demonstrated an average speed of 1.37 meters per second. This indicates that various environmental influences can elicit distinct behaviors.