What are the best transportation planning tools for improving pedestrian safety?

1 Walkability audits

A walkability audit is a systematic evaluation of the physical and environmental conditions that affect pedestrian comfort, convenience, and safety in a specific area. It can be conducted by professionals, community members, or both, using various methods such as checklists, surveys, maps, photos, or apps. A walkability audit can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing pedestrian network, such as sidewalks, crossings, signals, lighting, signage, landscaping, and accessibility. It can also provide recommendations for improvements, such as adding or widening sidewalks, installing traffic calming devices, enhancing visibility, or creating pedestrian zones.

2 Pedestrian demand models

A pedestrian demand model is a mathematical representation of the factors that influence the number and distribution of pedestrians in a given area. It can be used to estimate the current and future demand for walking, as well as the potential impacts of different scenarios or interventions on pedestrian behavior and mode choice. A pedestrian demand model can help transportation planners allocate resources, prioritize projects, and evaluate alternatives based on the expected benefits and costs for pedestrians. Some examples of pedestrian demand models are walk score, walkability index, pedestrian environment factor, or pedestrian level of service.

3 Crash analysis tools

A crash analysis tool is a software or database that collects and analyzes data on the frequency, location, severity, and causes of pedestrian crashes. It can help transportation planners identify the high-risk areas, patterns, and factors that contribute to pedestrian collisions, injuries, and fatalities. It can also help design and implement countermeasures, such as engineering, education, enforcement, or emergency response strategies, to reduce the occurrence and severity of pedestrian crashes. Some examples of crash analysis tools are Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System, Crash Modification Factors Clearinghouse, or Vision Zero Network.

4 Simulation and visualization tools

A simulation and visualization tool is a software or platform that creates a realistic and interactive representation of the pedestrian environment and behavior. It can help transportation planners test and compare the effects of different design options, policies, or technologies on pedestrian safety, mobility, and experience. It can also help communicate and engage with stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public, by showing them the expected outcomes and impacts of the proposed changes. Some examples of simulation and visualization tools are PTV Viswalk, Legion SpaceWorks, or StreetMix.

5 Performance measures and indicators

A performance measure or indicator is a quantitative or qualitative metric that tracks and evaluates the progress and results of a pedestrian safety plan or project. It can help transportation planners monitor and report on the implementation, effectiveness, and efficiency of the pedestrian safety strategies and actions. It can also help identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, as well as the best practices and lessons learned. Some examples of performance measures and indicators are pedestrian fatalities and injuries, pedestrian mode share, pedestrian delay, or pedestrian satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?