Crossing Behaviour of Social Groups: Insights from Observations at Non-signalized Intersection

TL;DR

This study investigates how social factors influence crossing behavior at non-signalized intersections, revealing that dyads walk slower and exhibit leader-follower dynamics, which can inform better pedestrian-vehicle interaction models.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into the crossing behavior of social groups, highlighting the influence of social dynamics on pedestrian decision-making at intersections.

Findings

Dyads walk slower than singles in all phases.

Dyads exhibit leader-follower crossing dynamics.

No difference in safety gap acceptance between singles and dyads.

Abstract

Environmental, demographical and psychological factors have a demonstrated impact on risky crossing behaviour. In this work we focus on the potential influence of social factors on the considered phenomenon (i.e. group crossing decision). We present the results of a video-recorded observation about the crossing behaviour of singles and dyads at non-signalized intersections. Results showed that crossing behaviour is characterized by three distinct phases: (i) approaching, (ii) appraising (decision making) and (iii) crossing. Dyads walk slower than single pedestrians in all phases. The crossing behaviour of dyads is characterized by the emergence of a leader who takes the decision to cross first, followed by the companion. However, there is no difference between the accepted safety gap of singles and dyads. Understanding factors influencing the crossing decision of social groups represents an important result supporting the development of agent-based simulations of pedestrian-vehicle interactions.