DOI: 10.5176/2301-394X_ACE15.05
Authors: Osama A. Abaza
Abstract:
Cold regions present various challenges to pedestrians which may affect their walking speeds. Some of these challenges include slip hazards for pedestrians, higher likelihood of sliding vehicles, poor visibility from snowfall, as well as general discomfort from low temperatures. In the current AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and Streets guidelines for design of pedestrian facilities [1], the only variable discussed as having a significant impact on pedestrian walking speed is age. This study will examine whether the existing guidelines are applicable in cold weather climates. Pedestrian speed guidelines affect design of facilities because signal and crosswalk timings are set based on that speed. This hypothesis asserts that an accurate pedestrian walking speed in cold regions will be slower than the AASHTO-recommended 4 feet per second, and may be lower than the MUTCD pedestrian walking speed of 3.5 feet per second [2]. Age and gender of the pedestrian and pavement conditions were also considered in this study. The results of this research show that the calculated 15th percentile walking speed in cold regions is 3.66 feet per second. This pedestrian walking speed was determined to be statistically significant when compared to the AASHTO-recommended pedestrian walking speed.
Keywords: Pedestrians; walking speed; cold regions; design
Updating...