CHINESE PEDESTRIANS AND THEIR WALKING CHARACTERISTICS: CASE STUDY IN BEIJING

The walking activities and characteristics of Beijing pedestrians, particularly in reference to the use of pedestrian crossing facilities, are highlighted. Walking serves many purposes in Beijing and is popularly used for commuting by the populace regardless of gender and age. A study revealed that although Beijing pedestrians were less enthusiastic about using the overpasses and underpasses than they were about using signalized crossings, mainly because of the ascending and descending movements required, when the safety aspects and other related attributes were appraised, these pedestrians did not favor any type of crossing in particular. Thus, Beijing pedestrians would accept any type of crossing facilities as long as they are appropriate and sufficient.