Pedestrian’s behaviour on road crossing facilities

Abstract

Walking is a major mode of transportation in developing countries where most road users are pedestrians who spend significant time on roads and using the road system. Walking almost inevitably involves crossing a road, where the chances of conflict between pedestrian and motor vehicle is much higher. In Dhaka, the capital of a developing country Bangladesh, pedestrians increase their accident risk when they decide to cross the road way without using the road crossing facilities. When a relatively unsafe choice is made, the pedestrian increases his accident risk and faces casualties. However, in Dhaka, it was not explored in the past about what percentage of people cross the road by pedestrian foot over bridge/ underpass or by jaywalking. Therefore, It is found that 40.2% of the pedestrians do not use road crossing facilities and 71% pedestrians prefer underpass rather than using foot over bridge. The reasons pedestrians are not using road crossing facilities are insufficient security, time consuming, poor entrance, hawker’s problem, discomfort, takes a long walk etc. To improve this situation several steps should be taken, such as: Enhance lighting facilities, prohibit commercial activities, adequate usage of roadside and median barrier, construct more underpass rather than foot over bridge etc.