External link: http://www.trbtoolsofthetrade.org/files/theme/B5-2-paper.pdf

Publication date: September 1, 2016

Capsule summary: This paper addresses the gap in transportation performance measures for pedestrians in small, rural communities.

Author(s): Herrman, Z.; Miller, J.; Ohlms, P.; Bolecek, J.

Publisher(s): Viriginia Department of Transportation

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
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Definition: Data analysis techniques for transportation planning
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Definitions: The movement of people
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Definitions: Transportation on foot
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
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Definition: A large urban area
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Definition: Documentation from a conference, symposium, or similar event
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Description: Transportation agencies are discovering an increasing need for non-motorized traffic monitoring programs in addition to their existing motor vehicle traffic monitoring programs. Smaller, rural communities are particularly limited in their resources to establish full non-motorized monitoring programs. This report provides a method for estimating pedestrian volumes in small communities that lack funding for established data collection programs.

Objectives: The research approach was initially tested in rural communities in Virginia. The research aims to develop a three-step methodology for pedestrian traffic monitoring, comparing the estimate to observed results, and calculating the overall accuracy of the method. The methodology is intended to be comprehensive but limited so small communities with limited resources can implement the approach within eight weeks.

Findings: The three-step approach developed by the researchers found that using speed limits and number of lanes as data measures improve the accuracy of the estimate compared to using just pedestrian density. The paper also found that lower speed limits and lower number of lanes result in higher pedestrian traffic congestion.

Recommendations: This paper recommends small, rural communities that do not have a non-motorized traffic monitoring program or any pedestrian data count program adopt their methodology for a smaller-scale pedestrian measurement program.

Research Theme: Innovative Data Analysis, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit

Community Type: City, Medium City, Rural, Small City

Transportation Mode: Pedestrian, Personal

Planning Scope: Regional or Metro Area

Organization Type: City, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Analysis, Evaluation and Assessment, Plan Implementation, Programming