A Simulation Study on the Interaction between the Land-Access Function for Motor Vehicles and the Walkability for Pedestrians in Urban Streets

Abstract

The land-access function for motor vehicles provides a direct connection between a street and an abutting property. Although the impact of the land-access function on pedestrians is significant, it has not been extensively studied yet, considering both pedestrians and vehicular traffic conditions. This study aims to quantify the interaction between egress vehicles and pedestrians at the driveway exit on urban streets. For this purpose, a simulation considering the blockage of pedestrians by egress vehicles was developed, assuming the two-stage gap acceptance of egress vehicles. The results show that land-access function deteriorates with an increase in the pedestrian volume; conversely, pedestrians are negatively impacted through longer delays and more frequent exposure to vehicles, with an increase in the egress vehicle volume. This study also shows the importance of reducing traffic in the main street to prevent the negative impact on both the land-access function and the walkability.