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Development
of a National Pedestrian Safety Awareness Campaign
The goal of the pedestrian safety awareness project was to make both
motorists and pedestrians more safety conscious and to increase the
demand for and acceptance of pedestrian safety initiatives. The ultimate
goal is the reduction of deaths and injuries to pedestrians. The core
strategy of this project was to coalesce public and private highway
safety organizations into a partnership that will enable walking issues
to become a greater part of highway safety priorities and that can
endure beyond the life of this project.
The project worked with the partnership to develop and initiate an
awareness effort that would be implemented at the national and state
and local levels. The project developed a limited number of materials
in the form of masters. Materials addressed the general problem as
well as selected issues within pedestrian safety including child pedestrians,
alcohol and walking, senior pedestrians and the concept of empowering
pedestrians to be change agents (identifying unsafe aspects of the
walking environment and creating change, such as improved access,
traffic calming, etc.). Products include a walkability checklist,
promotional pedestrian fact sheets, feature stories on children, alcohol,
and seniors, print advertisements, and promotional materials for the
"Walk a Child to School" campaign. |
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Technology
Transfer System and Marketing Plan for the FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle
Safety Research Program
The objective of this project was to develop a technology transfer
system by which the knowledge gained through the FHWA Pedestrian and
Bicycle Safety Research Program will be distributed to transportation,
health, and safety professionals; walking and bicycling advocates;
and the general public who would like for their communities to be
places where they can walk or bike. This system was developed using
the website format for grouping information and testing progressions
of information to determine the most effective means for linking users
with information relevant to their specific needs. The comprehensive
content, organization of information, and routing paths to specific
information are the products of this project. In a separate follow-on
effort, this system will be converted into an interactive CD-ROM and
technical resource and marketing guides.
HSRC is developed a web page titled PedSmart - ITS Technologies for
Pedestrian Applications. These technologies allow passive pedestrian
detection, provide feedback to the waiting and to the crossing pedestrian,
and increase motorist awareness. The web page discusses devices such
as flashing crosswalks, audible signals, countdown signals, infrared
detectors, and microwave detectors. |
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Data
Development for Safe Route to School and Safe Bicycle Route
The goal of this project was to define requirements and develop appropriate
GIS-based tools for applications such as "Safe Route to School"
and "Safe Bicycle Route." These applications involve the
development of software for calculating the quickest, safest, and/or
preferred walking and bicycling routes to and from school. The software
generates maps and written directions illustrating the routes.
The North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis
(CGIA) contracted HSRC to inventory streets in the study area in Raleigh,
NC. For selected street links and crossings, vehicle volumes and speeds
were measured. HSRC entered the data for each street link and crossing
into a database. Then the travel time and hazard associated with each
link and crossing were calculated. The database was submitted to CGIA,
which will develop the software. |
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Development
of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Injury Databases
This project sought to obtain more complete information on the causes
of injury to pedestrians and bicyclists. The usual source of information
on these events is police crash reports. However, many injuries to
pedestrians and bicyclists are not reported on state motor vehicle
crash files. These include injuries that occur off public roadways
(in parking lots, parks, driveways, etc.), those that do not involve
a motor vehicle (falls from bicycles, collisions between bicyclists
and pedestrians, pedestrian trips on curb), and others that for one
reason or another fail to get reported. The goal of this project was
to learn more about these non-roadway and non-motor vehicle events
and how they contribute to the overall pedestrian and bicyclist injury
problem.
Data were collected on over 2500 injured pedestrians and bicyclists
treated at eight hospital emergency rooms. The emergency rooms represented
a mix of urban and suburban/rural sites in three states -- California,
New York, and North Carolina. Results show that, overall, 70 percent
of the reported bicycle injury events and 64 percent of the reported
pedestrian injury events did not involve a motor vehicle. In addition,
31 percent of the bicyclists and 53 percent of the pedestrians were
injured in non-roadway locations. For pedestrian only events, 24%
occurred in roadways, 51% on sidewalks, and 14% in parking lots. Parking
lots were especially hazardous to pedestrians in icy weather conditions.
For bicyclist-only events, 54% occurred in roadways, 21% on sidewalks,
9% on trails or other off-road paths, and only 2% in parking lots.
In contrast, 88% of pedestrian-motor vehicle and 92% of bicycle-motor
vehicle events occurred in the roadway. A comparison of the emergency-room
reported cases with police-reported cases revealed that only 56 percent
of the pedestrian-motor vehicle and 48 percent of the bicycle-motor
vehicle emergency room cases were reported on state motor vehicle
crash files. Programs to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
need to take into account the large numbers of pedestrians being injured
in non-roadway and non-motor vehicle events, and need to examine data
sources in addition to police crash data. |
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FHWA
Study Tour for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
Mr. Zegeer was the chief leader and principal report author on an
FHWA-sponsored study tour in September 1993. The study tour visited
England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. The purpose of
the tour was to learn as much as possible about these countries' practices
and policies for improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and for
promoting the use of these modes. The topics covered included roadway
facilities, educational and promotional programs, traffic enforcement
issues, and relevant pedestrian and bicyclist safety research. The
participants met with local and federal officials, visited pedestrian
and bicyclist facilities, and compiled relevant literature and other
documentation. The participants produced a report documenting their
findings and illustrating many of the facilities that are used in
these countries. The report made recommendations for transferring
this technology to the U.S. |
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Older
Pedestrian Safety
The goal of this project was to evaluate existing countermeasures
and recommend other potential solutions to the problem of crashes
involving older pedestrians, based on examination of the causes and
characteristics of crashes. Tasks included: (1) the examination and
analysis of Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) data, (2) analysis
of the North Carolina crash data base involving pedestrian incidents
regarding crash causes and contributing factors, and (3) a sampling
of pedestrian crashes from emergency rooms and private care facilities
in North Carolina to compare with data appearing on the crash file
to estimate the extent and type of under reporting in police records. |
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Review
and Update of Pedestrian and Bicyclists Problems, Programs, and Processes
The overall purpose of the research was to acquire and update important
information regarding the pedestrian and bicyclists safety programs
within NHTSA. The three specific objectives were: (1) to develop and
produce the first annual report presenting a nationwide estimate of
pedestrian and bicyclist traffic accidents based upon data in NHTSA's
General Estimates System's data bank; (2) to produce a report reviewing
and identifying key pedestrian and bicyclist countermeasure developments
and program activities in the past eight years; and (3) to examine
the issue of technology transfer relating to NHTSA's pedestrian and
bicyclist safety products, and to identify and develop strategies
and mechanisms for NHTSA to use in effectively conveying its safety
products to users. For this project, HSRC joined forces with the Bicycle
Federation of America. |
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WALK
ALERT (Operation Pedsaver)
WALK ALERT is a comprehensive program addressing pedestrian safety
from three points of view: public education, traffic engineering,
and law enforcement. It is also known as the National Pedestrian safety
program, and is a cooperative effort of the National Safety Council,
FHWA, NHTSA, and more than 100 service organizations and groups. The
goal of the WALK ALERT program is to reduce pedestrian accidents through
the development of safer walkers, more attentive drivers, and a safer
walking environment. WALK ALERT has already been implemented in approximately
10 states and continued federal support is expected, which will hopefully
result in its continued adoption in other states. As a subcontractor
to the National Safety Council, the UNC Highway safety Research Center
was involved in a review of pedestrian materials, the writing of a
portion of the program (primarily related to engineering treatments),
and Mr. Zegeer was an instructor for several of the training sessions
in New York, New Jersey, and Kentucky. |
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Providing
Safer Urban Streets for Elderly and Handicapped Pedestrians
The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of roadway
conditions which pose the most critical hazards to elderly and handicapped
pedestrians and to recommend appropriate solutions. Special types
of engineering measures are discussed which have been used in the
U.S. and abroad to better accommodate the needs of elderly and handicapped
pedestrians. Some of these measures found to be useful under certain
conditions include:
3. Signal-Related Measures (audible pedestrian signals, push-button
devices to extend the WALK interval, vibrating signal pedestals for
the blind)
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4. Sidewalk-Related Measures (curb ramps, handrails, guide strips,
and proper placement of street furniture).
5. Sign-Related Measures (braille maps, warning signs directed at
motorists).
6. Design-Related Measures (street closures, pedestrian malls, pedestrian
refuge islands, roadway narrowing, pedestrian barriers, overpasses
and underpasses, sidewalks).
Information was obtained from the literature and also from detailed
questionnaires completed by state and local officials throughout the
U.S. relative to conditions where such measures are most effective.
Adopting a priority accessible network is important for pedestrian
planning, along with the careful selection of specific engineering
measures.
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Development
of Planning Guidelines and Training Courses
The objectives of this study were to (1) provide local communities
with guidelines for planning bicycle and pedestrian facilities; (2)
provide State and local transportation agency planners with training
on how to develop the ISTEA-mandated bicycle and pedestrian long range
plan and transportation improvement program elements; and (3) provide
university faculty with course and lesson plans (and materials) covering
key issues related to the non-motorized modes. The course on the ISTEA-mandated
bicycle and pedestrian long range plans and improvements was developed
and taught a total of 12 times throughout the U.S. and no further
courses are planned at this time. "Bicycle Planning and Design
Guidelines" and "Pedestrian Planning and Design Guidelines"
were products of this project along with the University Course Student
and Instructors Guides. |
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Capacity
Analysis of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Facilities
The primary objective of this study was to develop an outline of recommended
changes to the pedestrian and bicycle analysis procedures in the Highway
Capacity Manual. This research effort has resulted in new procedures
for chapters 13 (pedestrians) and 14 (bicycles). The study has resulted
in draft procedures for the analysis of pedestrians and bicycles in
the signalized intersection chapter. Documents containing the procedures
for Chapters 9 (Signalized Intersections), 13 (Pedestrians), and 14
(Bicycles) have been completed. The procedures recommended were submitted
to the Highway Capacity Committee of TRB and approved and incorporated
into the 2000 Manual. |
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Evaluation
of Pedestrian Facilities
The objective of this research study was to develop and test both
traditional and innovative engineering treatments related to pedestrian
safety and mobility, and to recommend those that should be utilized
under various traffic and roadway conditions. The specific treatments
to be evaluated included crosswalks, sidewalks/walkways, speed humps,
street narrowing, illuminated pedestrian push buttons, automated pedestrian
detectors, countdown signals, and innovative signs that direct motorists
to yield to pedestrians. The study results could lead to revisions
to the MUTCD, state guidelines for handling pedestrians, and other
recommended practices.
This project has three major products: an updated Pedestrian Synthesis,
a research report which documents the results of accident and operational
evaluation of the various pedestrian treatments and a "Pedestrian
Facility Users Guide," to provide guidance to engineers and planners
on the specific pedestrian treatments most appropriate for a given
situation. |
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Guidebook
on Quantitative Methods to Estimate Non-Motorized Travel
The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive guidebook
that documents the available methods for estimating bicycle and pedestrian
trips to be used by researchers, planners, and others who need to
apply such methods to estimate trips for the purpose of facility planning.
The guidebook contains basic information about the various methods
and compare the different approaches. |
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Pedestrian
and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
PBCAT is a software product intended to assist state and local bicycle
coordinators, planners, and engineers. PBCAT accomplishes this goal
through the development and analysis of a data base containing details
associated with crashes between motor vehicles and pedestrians or
bicyclists. One of these details is the crash type which describes
the pre-crash actions of the parties involved.
In the 1970's, methods for typing pedestrian and bicycle crashes were
developed by NHTSA to better define the sequence of events and precipitating
actions leading to bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. This method has
evolved over time and was refined as part of the development of this
software package. The crash typing methodology included in PBCAT allows
the user to quickly determine the crash type through a series of on-screen
questions about the crash and the maneuvers of the parties involved.
PBCAT enables practitioners to generate valuable information for promoting
bicycle and pedestrian safety and designing safer facilities where
bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles interact. The software
is designed with recommended countermeasures linked to specific bicycle
and pedestrian crash types, and contains user-friendly, on-line instructions
and help features along with a user's manual.
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Pedestrian
Countermeasures
The objective of this study was to determine the safety and operational
effects of various pedestrian facilities, and to identify the traffic
and roadway conditions under which these facilities are most effective.
Innovative treatments were evaluated. A final report contains a set
of case studies of the selected treatments, or individual case studies.
Evaluations are being conducted of four intersections in Sacramento
County, California where pedestrian countdown signals are being installed.
Six sites in New York state and one in Portland, Oregon are being
used to evaluate a sign (with traffic cone to be placed in the centerline
of the street) which says, "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK."
A neon flashing sign "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK"
is being evaluated at three sites in Tucson, Arizona. |
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Evaluation
of Innovative Pedestrian Treatments in Florida
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various
pedestrian treatments and devices at selected intersections in Florida.
One treatment is a flashing crosswalk in Orlando, which HSRC and the
Center for Applied Research are jointly evaluating. Data collection
and analysis were recently completed. Additional devices that may
be evaluated include: (1) pedestrian countdown signals, (2) pedestrian
microwave detectors, and (3) variable message signs that display NO
TURN ON RED (during the red phase) and YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS (during
the green phase).
A final report documents the results of the operational evaluations
of the innovative pedestrian treatments. As part of the final report,
a description of the problems and benefits of each evaluated treatment
is documented, along with recommendations for use of the devices in
Florida and for further testing under other traffic and roadway conditions.
The results provide valuable information for Florida DOT to use in
selecting pedestrian improvements at selected locations in the future. |
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Florida
Pedestrian Planning and Design Guidelines
HSRC, with substantial input from the Florida DOT and project consultants,
developed this manual. It provides guidelines, standards, and criteria
for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance
of pedestrian facilities. Among the topics covered in the 21 chapters
are planning, pedestrians with disabilities, sidewalks, midblock crossings,
parking, school zones, and boulevards. The appendix lists traffic
laws and definitions that pertain to pedestrians.
The guidelines were developed to reflect information found in the
Florida Pedestrian Safety Plan, other state and local guidelines and
operational experiences, AASHTO Green Book, as well as the recommendations
of pedestrian safety researchers. These guidelines are relevant to
both existing and to new facilities. This manual is intended as a
reference for engineers, planners, landscape architects, business
leaders, politicians, citizens, and others who are interested in providing
a safer and more pleasant walking environment in Florida. |
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Bicycling
and Walking in North Carolina: A Long-Range Transportation Plan
HSRC and the North Carolina DOT's Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation prepared this long-range transportation plan. The vision
of this plan is that "All citizens of North Carolina and visitors
to the state will be able to walk and bicycle safely and conveniently
to their desired destinations, with reasonable access to all roadways."
The plan identifies five goals: (1) an expanded and safer transportation
system for bicyclists and pedestrians; (2) safer walking, bicycling,
and driving behaviors; (3) comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plans
and programs at all levels of government, with active citizen involvement;
(4) innovative and effective bicycle and pedestrian facilities and
programs; and (5) increased bicycling and walking throughout North
Carolina. |
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Pedestrian
and Bicycle Crash Types of the Early 1990's
The purpose of this research was to apply the basic NHTSA pedestrian
and bicyclist typologies to a sample of recent crashes and to refine
and update the crash type distributions with particular attention
to roadway and locational factors. HSRC coded 5,000 pedestrian-motor
vehicle crashes and 3,000 bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. The final
project report was a descriptive study identifying situations under
which pedestrian and bicyclist crashes with motor vehicles take place.
The report lays the groundwork for the implementation of engineering,
educational, and regulatory countermeasures to reduce the number of
such crashes. |
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