A simulation model for non-signalized pedestrian crosswalks based on evidence from on field observation

This paper presents a model to simulate unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks. Principal scope of the model is to develop a tool to be used by decision-makers to evaluate the necessity of introducing a new crosswalk and/or switching to a traffic light and estimate the potential benefits of such a measure in term of Level of Service. The model is based on empirical evidence gained during an observation of an unsignalized crosswalk in Milan. Pedestrian motion is simulated using a simple Cellular Automata model in which only static floor field is implemented. Vehicles use a continuous car following model inspired on Gipps equations in which driver’s reaction time is considered. Pedestrian’s decision-making process on crossing attempt and model parameters are directly obtained from the analysis of pedestrian-vehicle interactions observed in reality. The model developed employs small time steps, thus allowing the consideration of different pedestrian speeds (intrinsically allowing to consider elderly) and smoothly reproducing car-pedestrian interactions. In order to validate the model, delays (or waiting times) measured for both pedestrians and drivers were compared with simulated values. Results show a good agreement between empirically obtained time delay and values computed in the simulation.