The required gait speed for analysed pedestrian crossings in Edinburgh. An observational study into the safety of a number of crossings in the region of Edinburgh.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the required gait speed to safely cross a number of pedestrian crossings in Edinburgh. Relevance: With an increasing ageing population and a rising number of pedestrian casualties, the safety of pedestrian crossings should be considered. The purpose of this study is to identify the gait speed required to safely cross at pedestrian crossings in Edinburgh. Results can then be compared with the Department for Transport (DFT) recommended legislated value of 1.2m/s walking speed and older people’s gait speed from previous studies. A prediction can be made as to whether the measured crossings are safe, and justify a recommendation to re-evaluate current legislation. Design: Descriptive observational design. Environment: 101 PELICAN, Puffin and Toucan crossings in Edinburgh were selected using pragmatic cluster sampling. Measures: Time of ‘green man’ phase and ‘green man on’ to ‘end of red vehicle light’ phase. Distance of road crossing. Environmental factors were documented. Results: The mean gait speed during the ‘green man’ phase was 1.16m/s. During ‘green man on’ to ‘end of vehicle light’ was 0.57m/s. 49.5% of crossings required a gait speed of greater than 1.2m/s to safely cross. Conclusion: The average required gait speed at the measured crossings was below 1.2m/s. However, 49.5% of crossings were faster than the DFT recommended legislated value. Therefore, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of the DFT guidelines to increase the safety of crossings for pedestrians.