Smile and Behavior: New Evaluation Method for Pedestrian Environment

Abstract

In this study, we explore novel methods of evaluating pedestrian environments. Pedestrians' behaviors and expressions are examined as indicators of walking space quality; such visual information is superior to questionnaire data because it can be obtained without the target's knowledge. These behavioral data, along with stress response and questionnaire data, were collected from pedestrians on selected streets in Japan. Results indicated diverse pedestrian behavior on a street where the walking environment had been improved. Analysis of pedestrians' expressions showed that pedestrians were more likely to smile in the improved environment. Thus, these findings suggest that pedestrians' behaviors and expressions may indicate the quality of the pedestrian environments.