Modelling sidewalk safety perceptions of pedestrians accessing bus stops and uncovering its role in shaping bus ridership: An empirical investigation

Abstract

Measuring personal safety perception is a complex task, as it encompasses a multi-faceted array of factors. This study explores the factors influencing the perceived safety of pedestrians while accessing bus stops via sidewalks and develops a comprehensive measurement model for sidewalk safety perception. Additionally, the study investigates potential links between sidewalk safety perceptions and bus ridership by applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Data were collected from 568 personal interviews conducted across various Indian cities, focusing on pedestrians’ perceptions of safety while accessing bus stops. Perceived safety was conceptualized as a latent construct, with second-order confirmatory factor analysis identifying three primary dimensions: “Safety from Sidewalk Infrastructure”, “Safety from Other User Behavior” and “Safety from Sidewalk Maintenance and Management”. These three latent constructs collectively represent the overall safety perception of sidewalks in the context of bus stop access. Further analysis found that most bus users prefer a minimum sidewalk width of 1.5–2 m and an increased minimum width of 2–4 m near bus stops. The findings offer valuable insights into the intricate factors shaping pedestrian safety perceptions and provide a robust framework for enhancing sidewalk conditions to promote safer and more accessible public transit usage.