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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2016

Sakari Luukkainen, Mikko Karjalainen, Juha Winter and Mehrdad Bagheri Majdabadi

The aim of this paper is to identify promoting and restraining factors of a novel mobile service in the pedestrian safety area.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify promoting and restraining factors of a novel mobile service in the pedestrian safety area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the case study methodology that focus on analyzing a specific case of mobile safety services in depth. A case study is especially suitable for an emerging case, such as pedestrian safety, where the aim is to identify relevant influencing factors of the particular case and not to generalize the findings. To gather data for case study analysis, several expert interviews were performed. Because they provided a large volume of data, the Service, Technology, Organization, and Finance business model framework was used as a way of structuring the analysis.

Findings

The main restraining factors are end-user value proposition, battery life, accuracy of GPS positioning and the revenue model. However, the service could improve traffic safety considerably and it should be introduced first locally in places, where many accidents take place. There is a great interest on driver data, which could be the main advantage for this service in the future. Integration to navigation products would complement the service significantly.

Originality/value

Current traffic safety-related literature covers mainly technical issues, and there are only few papers related to business model issues on that particular service. Observations of the various factors affecting the related evolution at an early phase of the life-cycle support further service design process.

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2022

Zhai Longzhen and ShaoHong Feng

The rapid evacuation of personnel in emergency situations is of great significance to the safety of pedestrians. In order to further improve the evacuation efficiency in emergency…

Abstract

Purpose

The rapid evacuation of personnel in emergency situations is of great significance to the safety of pedestrians. In order to further improve the evacuation efficiency in emergency situations, this paper proposes a pedestrian evacuation model based on improved cellular automata based on microscopic features.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the space is divided into finer grids, so that a single pedestrian occupies multiple grids to show the microscopic behavior between pedestrians. Second, to simulate the velocity of pedestrian movement under different personnel density, a dynamic grid velocity model is designed to establish a linear correspondence relationship with the density of people in the surrounding environment. Finally, the pedestrian dynamic exit selection mechanism is established to simulate the pedestrian dynamic exit selection process.

Findings

The proposed method is applied to single-exit space evacuation, multi-exit space evacuation, and space evacuation with obstacles, respectively. Average speed and personnel evacuation decisions are analyzed in specific applications. The method proposed in this paper can provide the optimal evacuation plan for pedestrians in multiple exit and obstacle environments.

Practical implications/Social implications

In fire and emergency situations, the method proposed in this paper can provide a more effective evacuation strategy for pedestrians. The method proposed in this paper can quickly get pedestrians out of the dangerous area and provide a certain reference value for the stable development of society.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a cellular automata pedestrian evacuation method based on a fine grid velocity model. This method can more realistically simulate the microscopic behavior of pedestrians. The proposed model increases the speed of pedestrian movement, allowing pedestrians to dynamically adjust the speed according to the specific situation.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Jehangir Bharucha

Indian cities have always been cities of walkers. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to examine the walkability of Mumbai city and outlines the problems, challenges and scope…

Abstract

Purpose

Indian cities have always been cities of walkers. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to examine the walkability of Mumbai city and outlines the problems, challenges and scope for improving its walkability.

Design/methodology/approach

Five typical districts of Mumbai city were chosen for the field study. Within each of these districts, certain walking routes were mapped. A survey of 100 people belonging to the middle class and lower middle class was conducted via a structured questionnaire pertaining to the pedestrian difficulties and solutions. The researcher along with a group of students then actually walked each of the routes and collected more specific information.

Findings

It is observed that Indian cities are becoming increasingly unsafe for pedestrians. Sidewalks and pavements just do not exist. If a pavement exists it is poorly constructed and badly maintained. An attempt was made to derive a walkability rating for the city of Mumbai.

Practical implications

This study highlights several policy recommendations for enhancing the current pedestrian infrastructure and gives pedestrian-focused solutions.

Originality/value

Very little work has been done by the way of theory and methodology to plan and mould walkable cities. A change in focus is needed that puts people at centre stage.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2018

Tulin Vural Arslan, Selen Durak, Fatma Dizdar Gebesce and Belcin Balcik

The purpose of this paper is to identify the principal factors affecting walkability from the viewpoint of the inhabitants of Bursa. It is intended to discover whether…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the principal factors affecting walkability from the viewpoint of the inhabitants of Bursa. It is intended to discover whether inhabitants’ conception of factors affecting walkability complies with the factors identified by the authors in regard to literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on several studies about influencing parameters of walkability, three main factors – spatial, social, economic – can be specified affecting the desire to walk by the user. In the content of this study, a conceptual model is developed for the assessment of factors influencing walkability. In this study, two different analysis methods are applied: qualitative approach: observation survey; and quantitative approach: questionnaire survey. By utilizing the conceptual model, a questionnaire is prepared and applied to 200 pedestrians in three streets. Moreover, the questionnaire items were factor analyzed to explore the principal factors affecting walkability from the viewpoint of the inhabitants of Bursa.

Findings

In the literature review part, the factors affecting walkability are defined as accessibility, comfort and use, environmental aesthetics, safety and security and connectivity. However, as a result of the survey applied to pedestrians in Bursa, it has been revealed that the most important factors are “Accessibility,” “Comfort and Use,” “Traffic Safety,” “Crime Security” and “Connectivity,” excluding the factor “Environmental Aesthetics.”

Originality/value

There is a need for studies which assess the factors influencing the walkability in tourism cities in depth. Tourism potential in Bursa, Turkey, has raised since it has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. Therefore, walkability became one of the important issues in urban planning decisions for the streets in the historic city center in policies of the local government. The studies that assess the factors influencing walkability and the satisfaction of the pedestrians will open up new visions for urban decision makers. Within the scope of this study, existing historic city center in Bursa has been analyzed in terms of walkability.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2021

A.S.M. Shuaib and Md Masud Parves Rana

What makes neighbourhood environment more walkable is an important question for urban planning and design research. The purpose of this paper is to explore this question through a…

Abstract

Purpose

What makes neighbourhood environment more walkable is an important question for urban planning and design research. The purpose of this paper is to explore this question through a case study of urban sidewalks in different contexts of urban neighbourhoods in Rajshahi city of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Using participatory observation, Google street view and photography techniques, it examines the quality of the street facilities by demonstrating physical attributes of sidewalks and by analysing how various obstructions on them characterize neighbourhood walkability environment.

Findings

The findings suggest that the unusable sidewalks in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, are a production of inadequate and inappropriate planning and design that unable to capitalize the functionality of sidewalks as a means of walking. It further argues that the urban planners and designers of streets have paid little attention to the diverse requirements of sidewalks in accordance with spatial and socio-economic categories of urban neighbourhoods.

Originality/value

This study adds insights about the urban sidewalks planning and design in the context of a developing country. It provides an empirical evidence about the constraints and potentials of making a walkable city.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 June 2023

Sharaf AlKheder, Ahmad Alkandari, Bader Aladwani and Wasan Alkhamees

This study aims to validate a model for estimating platoon delay due to pedestrian crossing for use in Kuwait City.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to validate a model for estimating platoon delay due to pedestrian crossing for use in Kuwait City.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was modified slightly for the scenario used in Kuwait, in which the presence of raised crosswalk meant that all incoming traffic would slow down automatically. Using video footage to observe the site, several variables were collected, and a model was used to calculate the delays suffered by the vehicles because of pedestrian crossing. The model was validated using the actual footage and manual observation to measure the delays.

Findings

The model showed a good match fit to the observed data, as the average delays differed by 22.5% between the two methods. Following the comparison, a sensitivity analysis was made on three variables: the acceleration rate, deceleration rate, as well as the pedestrian walking time. The analysis has shown that deceleration rate has approximately twice the effect on the model than the acceleration rate has. It has also shown that the pedestrian walking time has a major effect on the model, in an almost one-to-one correlation. A 50% change of the pedestrian walking time is associated with approximately 50% change in the model’s output delay.

Originality/value

A model for estimating platoon delay because of pedestrian crossing was validated for use in Kuwait City. The model was modified slightly for the scenario used in Kuwait, in which the presence of raised crosswalk meant that all incoming traffic would slow down automatically.

Details

Smart and Resilient Transportation, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-0487

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 May 2018

Andrea Gorrini and Viola Bertini

The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic review of the contributions present in the literature about walkability. This is aimed at defining a set of criteria and…

1594

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic review of the contributions present in the literature about walkability. This is aimed at defining a set of criteria and methodologies for the assessment of the level of pedestrian friendliness of cities characterised by mass tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a theoretical review about walkability and on the study of mass tourism phenomenon in Venice in relation to the ongoing de-urbanisation process. The analysis of open data sets provides by the Public Institutions of Venice and the execution of on-site observations allowed a qualitative assessment on the level of walkability of the historical centre of Venice.

Findings

The results of the proposed study highlighted that the level of walkability in Venice is profoundly affected by the lack of base services, the presence of massive tourism flows and the scarcity of road signage.

Practical implications

All the elements highlighted in this work could lead to proposing several design solutions and policies to manage the tourism phenomenon in Venice in a more effective and sustainable manner.

Social implications

The assessment and enhancement of the level of walkability of urban areas represent a useful tool to manage the tourist flows and to reduce the conflicts between inhabitants and visitors in tourism cities.

Originality/value

The current work represents a valuable contribution towards the systematisation of the theoretical and methodological framework towards a tourism-based walkability assessment.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2013

Mohamed Atef Elhamy Kamel

It is noted that cities in the region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have a very poor Walkability Index. It is typically the forgotten mode of transport. Moreover, walking…

1434

Abstract

Purpose

It is noted that cities in the region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have a very poor Walkability Index. It is typically the forgotten mode of transport. Moreover, walking has become impossible. This is not just due to the scorching weather conditions but also due to the excessive dependence of the residents on the private automobile. The purpose of this paper is to explore walkability urban problems and to propose smart urban solutions so as to encourage walking in GCC cities.

Design/methodology/approach

This present paper defines walkability and portrays its advantages and benefits. It adapts the criteria of walkability to meet GCC cities’ planning needs. Furthermore, it analyzes Masdar City in Abu Dhabi as an example of encouraging walkability using smart solutions. The pilot case study for this present paper, King Abdullah national park in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, will be the application pool of those criteria. However, a questionnaire has been formulated in order to solicit some facts about attaining pedestrian comfort in that park.

Findings

The paper provides various smart urban solutions so as to encourage walkability in GCC cities.

Originality/value

Through presenting an overview of walkability in GCC cities and suggesting smart urban solutions, an additional study would be required to encourage walkability in other environments using various intelligent urban features.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Lalit Narendra Patil, Hrishikesh P. Khairnar and S.G. Bhirud

Electric vehicles are well known for a silent and smooth drive; however, their presence on the road is difficult to identify for road users who may be subjected to certain…

Abstract

Purpose

Electric vehicles are well known for a silent and smooth drive; however, their presence on the road is difficult to identify for road users who may be subjected to certain incidences. Although electric vehicles are free from exhaust emission gases, the wear particles coming out from disc brakes are still unresolved issues. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is to introduce a smart eco-friendly braking system that uses signal processing and integrated technologies to eventually build a comprehensive driver assistance system.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters obstacle identification, driver drowsiness, driver alcohol situation and heart rate were all taken into account. A contactless brake blending system has been designed while upgrading a rapid response. The implemented state flow rule-based decision strategy validated with the outcomes of a novel experimental setup.

Findings

The drowsiness state of drivers was successfully identified for the proposed control map and set up vindicated with the improvement in stopping time, atmospheric environment and increase in vehicle active safety regime.

Originality/value

The present study adopted a unique approach and obtained a brake blending system for improved braking performance as well as overall safety enhancement with rapid control of the vehicle.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2021

Nunyi Vachaku Blamah, Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu, Matthew Dayomi and Ayobami Abayomi Popoola

This paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of transport. The ultimate goal of the study was to come up with suitable multifaceted measures to deter private car usage, while refocusing society's mind-set towards alternative forms of transport, thereby keying into some transport-related sustainable development goals (SDG) goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted qualitative methods: 320 commuters were surveyed at bus stops and car parks around the city, and respondents were identified using multistage sampling, aided by purposive/convenience sampling, and this number was reached by saturation of themes. Focus group discussions were held with eight screened public officials from relevant (transportation and environment related) agencies/unions in the city. NVivo 10 software was used to thematically analyse the data gathered from a relativist and an interpretive stand point.

Findings

The study found transport mode choice to be intrinsically more motivated by socio-economic forces serving as a basis for other socio-psychological factors. Multifaceted measures, including spatial, socio-economic, environmental and public relation measures, were found suitable to break car-use motives in the study area towards adopting alternative modes of transport, thereby achieving some transport-related SDG targets.

Originality/value

The study was unique as it looked at the intrinsic mode choice determinants from a Sub-Saharan African capital city perspective and provided suitable multifaceted best practiced measures that deemphasised car use while emphasising alternative modes, thereby shifting commuters' mind-set towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

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