| Abstract: | This paper is concerned with the relationships between traffic conditions and pedestrian behaviour which determine the extent of barrier effects. These relationships are examined on a high-density mixed-use street in central Edinburgh. Such streets are generally important routes for both pedestrians and vehicles, where there is maximum potential for conflicts between them. Crossing strategies and pedestrian trip-making activity are shown to be modified in response to changes in traffic conditions, notably to changes in traffic volumes and parking activity. Barrier effects are seen to vary markedly with the age group of pedestrians. The findings are related to pedestrian safety on such streets and to issues involved in the design and implementation of traffic management schemes. It is concluded that barrier effects on pedestrians should be a standard consideration in scheme design and implementation. |
