Have you ever had an experience that you can hardly move forward on streets? Have you ever felt that you can hardly not having conflicts with others? Usually, we encounter such scenarios in retail, business or tourist spots, where usually having loads of people in there. Such cases could be regarded as what we called “pedestrian congestion”.
In laymen terms, pedestrian congestion is the situation where pedestrians:
(i). Fail to choose their walking speed
(ii). Potentially have a crash with others when passing through
(iii). Have difficulties in changing the walking direction
As defined in a few research papers*, pedestrian congestion occurs when pedestrian facilities are operating over its maximum possible ability to accommodate a flow. In addition, conflicts are identified when crossing pedestrian streams. Pedestrians also have low ability to maintain flow in the minor direction when opposed by a major pedestrian flow.
What is Pedestrian Congestion?
LOS Table
In order to relate the street condition with the pedestrian flow, another formula is adopted in aids of establishing the relationship, which is:
Q = Maximum flow in 15mins/ 15 x Ew
Where Q = Unit flow rate (p/min/m)
Ew = Effective width (m)
This formula links the street effective width with the pedestrian flow, where it suggests that as the effective width decreases, the flow rate increases, resulting in a more congested situation.
From the research we have conducted, the most common formula that is used to justify the occurrence of pedestrian congestion is by:
Q = UK or Q = U/m
Where Q = Unit flow rate (p/min/m)
U = Pedestrian speed (m/min)
K = Pedestrian density (p/m2)
m = Pedestrian space (m2/p)
From the formula, we can observe the relationship between the pedestrian flow with the speed and density. With a higher value of Q, it implies a more congested situation. Usually, a level of service (LOS) table would be used to classify the congestion level, in which each level would have its own set of Q values. On the left shows the LOS table# as said:
# Adopted from Fruin, J. 1990. Pedestrian Planning and Design. Elevator World, Mobile, Ala.
* See Lopez, A. 2006. Assessment of measures to ease pedestrian congestion. Association for European Transport and contributors: 1-17; Transportation Research Board. 2000. Highway Capacity Manual. National Academy of Sciences: Ch.2,11,18; Institute of Transportation. 2010. Taipei Highway Capacity Manual: Ch.19
Consequences of pedestrian congestion:
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Detrimental effect on optional and social activities
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Particularly affecting the life of special needs (disabled/elderly)
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Negative effect on commerce along streets
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Encouraged use of automobiles
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Feeling of discomfort
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Public safety concerns
