Street design for points on sidewalks where conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians may occur

Abstract

In recent years, efforts have been made to develop walkable urban spaces, transitioning from car-centric to pedestrian-focused roadways. However, it is impossible to entirely eliminate the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians in areas such as entrance/exit of the parking area or intersections with side streets. In these hazardous locations, the installation of bollards is necessary for safety. This study conducted a survey to explore designs for areas where vehicles and pedestrians intersect. The analysis showed that the design around the bollards tended to improve their "recognizability" and the perception of "danger," though there was also a possibility that they might be seen as "obstruction." By marking the sidewalk with arrow-like patterns or lanes, there is potential to guide pedestrians away from areas without bollards. Additionally, the proposed design may help drivers more easily direct their attention to pedestrians.