Research into space conflicts among cyclists, PMD users and pedestrians on shared paths (pedestrian’s perspective)

Abstract

Shared footpaths and road crossings we use everyday comes with a relatively high accident risk as they are not owned by only one party, but shared among many users – mainly pedestrians, cyclists and PMD (mainly e-scooter) users. With regard to this situation, there have been many accidents and disagreements by the public as they felt that the cyclists and PMDs have compromised the safety of pedestrians. To make matters worse, pedestrians nowadays frequently use their mobile phones while walking. Being less aware of their surroundings, it is inevitable for them to face conflicts with cyclists or PMD users without noticing it early. In order to obtain accurate information that will address the current situation of footpaths and crossings, studies will be conducted on the interaction among the three parties. This is done through data collection and analysis of on-site videos, as well as on-ground interaction and surveys with the users. Through these, we can better understand each user’s perception towards sharing of footpaths/crossings with the other parties. After which, ground markings will be implemented on both footpaths and crossings. Surveys and video recordings will also be conducted after these implementations to observe the change in behavioural patterns between pedestrians, cyclists and PMD users. In general, the results show that users’ perceptions have changed to a certain extent after the implementations, and some factors such as the ‘keeping left’ behaviour and safety has improved in this short span of time. In conclusion, the implemented measures do reduce conflict among pedestrians, cyclists and PMD users on shared footpaths. However, further improvements could be made to improve the safety of all users. Some recommendations include the need to address the infrastructure of footpaths and to inculcate the habit of keeping left.