Evaluation of Safety for Pedestrians at Macro- and Microlevels in Urban Areas

Author(s):

Sarkar, Shiela

Organization:

Transportation Research Board

Publisher/Date:

Transportation Research Board

Rating:

Limited Usefulness

Abstract:

This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the safety of urban sidewalks and intersections vis-à-vis the older folk, children, and persons of lesser abilities by using standard Level of Service and Quality of Service levels A-F. For Level of Service, the author assigns a level of service grade based on the adequacy of the separation mode -- the macro-level features; and for Quality of Service, she proposes looking at the micro-conditions -- impediments, sidewalk condition, etc.

The author’s depth and thoroughness are impressive. Yet for the practitioner, the methodology is too academic: the results have scientific value, but are too laborious for the public works department needing to know where the next repair takes place. Nonetheless, the concept and approach is sound, and it’s a valuable effort to establish a way professionals can examine different facets of safety in a scientific manner.

An alternate use of the proposed methodology is suggested by the author: A systematic, research controlled, analysis of falls, injuries, and discouragement that pedestrians have suffered because of sidewalk design and condition. This would be a major contribution to the field, and one that would give valuable information to policy makers, advocates, planners, designers, and yes, the town maintenance crew.

Number of Pages:

105-118

Table of Contents?

No

Index?

No

Illustrations?

Yes (Chart)

Material Type:

Paper

Key Document?

No

Categories:

Educational, Research, Maintenance

Keywords:

Transportation Planning, Pedestrian Safety

Record Last Updated:

July 2006