An integrated systems methodology for pedestrian traffic flow analysis
Abstract
The typical urban pedestrian transportation system involves three basic elements: sidewalks or walkways; midblock or intersection corner, holding, or queueing areas; and pedestrian crossings of roads, rail lines, or other physical features. The pedestrians on sidewalks or walkways have operating characteristics analogous to motorized vehicles on roadways. Each critical pedestrian element has been considered individually, but not as a balanced system, especially at the most critical link--the signalized urban intersection; In this research, a methodology and guidelines have been developed to analyze existing pedestrian elements at a signalized intersection, i.e., the sidewalk, intersection corner, and crosswalk; with a systems approach that identifies key interrelationships of the individual elements. This systems approach can guide the design of a balanced at-grade pedestrian transportation system; used to evaluate existing signalized at-grade intersection pedestrian elements; and develop decision support tools to evaluate the potential need for a grade-separated pedestrian facility; A case study of the signalized at-grade intersection of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard South in the Las Vegas valley area of Clark County, Nevada is presented to demonstrate the application of the methodology. Comments and recommendations regarding potential utilization of the research product presented in this thesis for pedestrian planning and design are offered. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).