Estimation of pedestrian walking speeds on footways

Pedestrian circulation is increasingly considered as an alternative and environmentally sustainable mode of transport, thus justifying the need for safe and efficient pedestrian infrastructure. One of the essential parameters for the design of this walking infrastructure is the walking speed adopted by pedestrians in different situations. In this context, the present research focused on the identification and evaluation of the effects that several factors have on pedestrian walking speed. Furthermore, a mathematical model estimating pedestrian walking speed according to the relevant variables was also developed, based on multiple linear regression techniques. In general, the conclusions of these analyses confirm the results found in the specialised literature, pointing to an average pedestrian walking speed of 1·25 m/s, with a minimum of 0·68 m/s and a maximum of 1·92 m/s. The final results confirmed the need for the development of technical guidelines that are appropriate for the design of footways in urban environments.