Pedestrian bridges are sometimes constructed as the result of public pressures, i.e. emotional pleas for pedestrian bridges are voiced with safety used as a ploy. But, casual observation has shown that some pedestrians prefer to ignore the safety of bridges that have been provided for them, and cross highways at grade level.
The purpose of this study was to determine pedestrian crossing patterns and degree of pedestrian bridge use in areas where pedestrian bridges exist but pedestrians are not compelled to use them.
The study demonstrated once again that arbitrarily low speed limits, cannot be effectively enforced. Average speeds through the study area stayed essentially the same with or without increased radar enforcement and were not affected by raising the speed limit 5 mph from a value 10 mph below the 85th percentile to a value 5 mph below the 85th percentile.
The present posting of 45 mph speed limits equates with the average speeds. Essentially 50% of the traffic is yet violating the posted speed. Consistent with established principals of speed zoning, the correct speed limit for this area is 50 mph. Accordingly the study recommendation is that the speed limit be raised to 50 mph and additional speed checks be made to measure the effect
if any.
