Assessing pedestrian safety perceptions in low-income cities

Abstract

Enhancing pedestrians’ perceptions of safety and comfort is crucial for prioritizing active mobility in cities. However, there is limited understanding of pedestrian safety and comfort perceptions, particularly in low-income regions such as South Asia. To address this research gap, we conducted a stated preference experiment in Kathmandu Valley, polling 2,722 participants to reveal their experiences as pedestrians in various settings. Using tailored, realistic street-level images, we assessed a wide range of variables, including the built environment, traffic conditions, and pedestrian infrastructure. Additionally, we collected data on users’ socio-demographic characteristics and travel behavior to understand their perceived experiences. Subsequently, we adopted a multivariate analysis to examine the relationships between street-related variables, participants’ travel behavior, socio-demographic factors, and their perceptions of crash exposure risk and severe injury risk, while also accounting for comfort perception. The results indicate that pedestrians face the highest perceived risks from crash exposure on roadways without sidewalks, risky motorized two-wheelers (MTW) riding in walking spaces, and unmanaged trash in walking areas. Conversely, wide walking spaces and MTW parking on the roadside on narrow streets are associated with increased perceived safety from crash exposure and severe injury risk. Pedestrian overpasses and zebra crossings significantly enhance perceived pedestrian safety, reducing exposure risks and the likelihood of severe crashes. The findings contribute to developing metrics that quantify pedestrians’ experiences, helping planners and policymakers assess, improve, and design pedestrian-oriented facilities in urban areas.