Behavioral-Based Pedestrian Modeling Approach: Formulation, Sensitivity Analysis, and Calibration

Pedestrians are among the travelers most vulnerable to collisions that are associated with high fatality and injury rates. The increasing rate of urbanization and mixed land-use construction make walking (along with other non-motorized travel) a predominant transportation mode with a wide variety of behaviors expected. Because of the inherent safety concerns seen in pedestrian transportation infrastructures, especially those with conflicting multimodal movements expected (crosswalks, transit platforms, etc.), it is important that pedestrian behavior is modeled as a risk-taking stochastic behavior that may lead to errors and thus collision formation. In previous work, the complexity and cost associated with building pedestrian models in a cognitive-based environment weighted down the construction of simulation tools that can capture pedestrian-involved collisions, including those seen in shared space environments. In this paper, a tool that will help evaluate the safety of pedestrian traffic is initiated: an extended modeling framework of pedestrian walking behavior is adopted while incorporating different physiological, physical, and decision-making elements. The focus is on operational decisions (i.e., path choices defined by longitudinal and lateral trajectories) with a pre-specified set of origins and destinations. The model relies on the prospect theory paradigm where pedestrians evaluate their acceleration and directional alternatives while considering the possibility of colliding with other “particles.” Using a genetic algorithm method, the new model is calibrated using detailed trajectory data. This model can be extended to model the interactions between a variety of different modes that are present in different mixed land-use environments.

Trajectory Data Analysis on the Spatial and Temporal Influence of Pedestrian Flow on Path Planning Decision

The modeling of walking behavior and design of walk-friendly urban pathways have been of interest to many researchers over the past decades. One of the major issues in pedestrian modeling is path planning decision-making in a dynamic walking environment with different pedestrian flows. While previous studies have agreed that pedestrian flow influences path planning, only a few studies have dealt with the empirical data to show the relationship between pedestrian flow and path planning behavior. This study introduces a new methodology for analyzing pedestrian trajectory data to find the dynamic walking conditions that influence the path planning decision. The comparison of the pedestrians’ path shows that the higher proportion of opposite flows are, the greater they influence the path selection decision. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the opposite flow changes and path planning behavior and find the spatial and temporal ranges of the opposite flow that affects the path planning behavior. Lastly, we find the ratio of pedestrians that update their paths with respect to the opposite flow rate.

Microscopic behavioural analysis of cyclist and pedestrian interactions in shared spaces

This study investigates the microscopic interaction behaviour between cyclists and pedestrians in shared space environments. Video data was collected at the Robson Square shared space in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Trajectories of cyclists and pedestrians involved in 208 interactions (416 trajectories) were extracted using computer vision algorithms. The extracted trajectories were used to define different indicators for the analysis. The indicators included the speed and acceleration profiles and the longitudinal and lateral distances between road users during different phases of the interactions. The study also investigated the collision avoidance mechanisms employed by road users to avoid collisions with other shared space users. The collision avoidance mechanisms included changing the walking–cycling speed and changing the movement direction. The results showed that the collision avoidance mechanisms depend on the shared space density and the space available for road users. The study identified a set of parameters that can be used to calibrate microscopic cyclist–pedestrian modeling platforms to represent the behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists in shared space environments.

Making Strides: State of the Practice of Pedestrian Forecasting in Regional Travel Models

Much has changed in the 30 years since non-motorized modes were first included in regional travel demand models. As interest in understanding behavioral influences on walking and policies requiring estimates of walking activity increase, it is important to consider how pedestrian travel is modeled at a regional level. This paper evaluates the state of the practice of modeling walk trips among the largest 48 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and assesses changes made over the last 5 years. By reviewing model documentation and responses to a survey of MPO modelers, this paper summarizes current practices, describes six pedestrian modeling frameworks, and identifies trends. Three-quarters (75%) of large MPOs now model non-motorized travel, and over two-thirds (69%) of those MPOs distinguish walking from bicycling; these percentages are up from nearly two-thirds (63%) and one-half (47%), respectively, in 2012. This change corresponds with an increase in the deployment of activity-based models, which offer the opportunity to enhance pedestrian modeling techniques. The biggest barrier to more sophisticated models remains a lack of travel survey data on walking behavior, yet some MPOs are starting to overcome this challenge by oversampling potential active travelers. Decision-makers are becoming more interested in analyzing walking and using estimates of walking activity that are output from models for various planning applications. As the practice continues to mature, the near future will likely see smaller-scale measures of the pedestrian environment, more detailed zonal and network structures, and possibly even an operational model of pedestrian route choice.

Systematic Review of Pedestrian Simulation Models with a Focus on Emergency Situations

The literature on pedestrian modeling and simulation models is surveyed, with an emphasis on emergency situations. The state of the art is organized and presented from this perspective. Strong points and gaps in the literature are identified. The parameters that are relevant in modeling pedestrian movement are organized in a new framework and analyzed. Specific properties and characteristics of modeling emergency situations are considered, and applications of available data collection options are surveyed. This work can support researchers and practitioners interested in conducting pedestrian modeling and simulation research and applications, both general and targeted to emergency situations.