Pedestrian Travel Times and Motor Vehicle Traffic Signals

Abstract

Traffic signals generally have been installed to maximize the flow of motor vehicle traffic by reducing the average travel delay time. Under free-flow conditions, motor vehicle travel delay is very sensitive to the amount of green phase and the total cycle of the traffic signal. Average pedestrian delay at traffic signals is not taken into account. Some simple examples are used to demonstrate that travel time delay costs to pedestrians caused by existing signalization cycles may often result in increased travel time costs to society. In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic (or during peak pedestrian hours), traffic signals should trade off the costs of motor vehicle delay with pedestrian delay. This may suggest that in some areas, motor vehicle traffic should be banned or severely restricted. Narrower street widths that can allow reduced total signal cycle times can also reduce pedestrian delay.