VIRTUAL London.
Abstract
Pedestrians are the primary element for mobility in transportation; as such, comfortable and smooth pedestrian flow can be considered a relevant feature for an environmentally friendly region or area. However, the Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) evaluation for pedestrian facilities is entirely based on the free-flow pedestrian speed, which needs to include the effect of various delays occurring on footpaths. Uncertainties arise on the pathway from multiple activities around the place, and some external factors disturb the continuity of the pedestrian flow. The vehicular interference and climatic conditions significantly reduce the pedestrian speed on pathways, affecting comfort and continuous flow, especially for elderly pedestrians. The study will help identify the factors that cause pedestrian delays on the paths and their impact on free-flow pedestrian speeds. Multiple causes for the delay are identified on-site, and a detailed survey of pedestrian speed and delay on footpaths caused by various factors are taken, which are critically analysed. The impact caused by these factors on pedestrian speed, which disturbs the continuity of the pedestrian facilities, was thoroughly examined for different genders and age groups in establishing the relevant input factors for evaluating Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS). As such, the study not only provides a clear understanding of the factors that cause delay, discomfort and discontinuity for pedestrians on footpaths while walking on pedestrian facilities but also helps in creating a new method for evaluating the Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) entirely based on delay occurring on the footpath which disrupts continuity.
Sangeeth K is a research scholar pursuing a PhD in the Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. He received a master’s in planning from CEPT University, Ahmadabad, India. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture, TKM College of Engineering Kollam, Kerala, India. His current research area is in the field of planning for the evaluation of pedestrian facilities.
Dr. Uttam Kumar Roy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Planning at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. He has a professional and research experience of 22 years as an Architect and Urban Planner. Recognized as a Trainer in the Design of Training for the Government of India (DOPT). He is the Head of the Centre for Transportation Systems (CTRANS), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India.