IMPROVING THE PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT

Since the pedestrian is probably the most efficient mode of of transportation for short trips, more planning should be done to enhance the pedestrian environment and improve its facilities. Since the goal of improved pedestrian facilities is increased walking as a means of transportation, it is necessary to render the pedestrian environment as hazard-free as possible. Annoyances such as pollution, fear of crime, litter, vehicles, curbs, and weather must be considered in defining regulations and planning facilities. Functionalism is one aspect of pedestrian planning that can't be ignored: a walkway must result in a savings of time, distance, and effort in order to be of value. Continuity refers to the uninterrupted facility, free of confusing obstacles and signs. Added conveniences such as shopping malls, bus stop shelters, etc. encourage more walking trips since they provide comfort to the pedestrian. The city of Chicago's planned State Street~transit Mall is one solution to the problem of providing safe and convenient pedestrian facilities. Some of its features include reduction in vehicle traffic noise and pollution, improved street lighting for safety, broadened sidewalks, street furniture, improved transit access, and covered subway entrances. This facility has required much cooperation from those affected by its construction as well as much detailed planning. However, after a careful study of pedestrian needs and characteristics, a project like this can be intergrated with the overall transit network to provide more efficient movement of traffic by all modes.

• Corporate Authors:

  Western Society of Engineers

  176 West Adams Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60603
• Authors:
  • Oghigian, N S
• Publication Date: 1975-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Midwest Engineer
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue Number: 7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus stop shelters; Field tests; Human characteristics; Pedestrian malls; Pedestrians; Traffic noise; Walkways
• Uncontrolled Terms: Continuity
• Old TRIS Terms: Field identification; Pedestrian characteristics
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00095524
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 10 1975 12:00AM