Pedestrian injury and fatality statistics have essentially held steady at around 4,800 deaths per year for the last three years. Although total fatalities have remained roughly the same, pedestrians may be facing increased risks because it is conjectured, but not proven, that the amount of exposure of pedestrians is decreasing. A method of reliably and efficiently counting the amount of pedestrian use is urgently needed. Recent developments in advanced technology offer the potential to better gauge pedestrian activity to improve pedestrian safety, and to help achieve a reduction in pedestrian fatalities. The goal of this project is to examine the role automation can play in: (1) increasing our understanding of pedestrian volumes and Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS); and (2) increasing pedestrian safety at signalized intersections though use of automated pedestrian detectors.

To determine how accurately new measurement technologies can be applied to pedestrian movements for either regular monitoring (e.g. automated pedestrian detection at signalized intersections) or specialized research purposes (e.g., pedestrian counting, analyzing conflicts).

The principal tasks to be performed for this project will be: 1. A literature review to identify technologies relevant for automated pedestrian counting and detection. 2. An analysis of automated pedestrian counting devices a. Experimental evaluation of the identified devices under simple and complex situations. b. A report describing findings from the evaluations. 3. An analysis of automated pedestrian detection devices a. Experimental evaluation of the identified devices under simple and complex situations. b. A report describing findings from the evaluations. 4. A final report reviewing the technologies including their strengths and limitations.

FHWA will provide $50K at the start up of the project. Pooled fund participation is planned for a minimum of 7 States with an initial commitment of $35K from each State. It is requested that each participating State fund an additional $35K at the beginning of the second year of the project.