Analysis of Pedestrian Crossing Speed at Signalized and Non-Signalized Crosswalk: A Case Study of Central Station to Str. Tzar Osvobotiel Road of Ruse City

Abstract

Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern on
our roadways, as pedestrians are inherently
vulnerable when navigating traffic. In
Bulgaria, this research underscores the
necessity of prioritizing pedestrian safety in
roadway design and traffic control measures.
The study's core objective was to analyze
pedestrian crossing behaviour and identify
optimal locations for pedestrian crossings to
enhance overall road safety. A notable finding
of the study was the significant influence of
crosswalk type on pedestrian crossing speeds.
Pedestrians were observed to cross streets
more rapidly at signalized crosswalks,
highlighting the efficacy of traffic control
devices in regulating pedestrian movements.
Moreover, the study delved into the influence
of age and gender on pedestrian crossing
speeds. It revealed that children and adult
pedestrians were the fastest groups in terms
of crossing speeds, while elderly pedestrians
exhibited notably slower speeds. Notably, at
non-signalized crosswalks, adult females were
the slowest demographic, both in comparison
to adult males and in comparison, to both
male and female children. In a broader
context, the study unveiled that male
pedestrians, on the whole, demonstrated
significantly faster crossing speeds than their
female counterparts. These findings provide
valuable insights for road planners and
policymakers in Bulgaria, aiming to create
safer and more efficient road systems that
cater to the unique needs of pedestrians while
considering the various factors that influence
their crossing behaviours.