An evaluation of the road users' perception about pedestrian crossing in Kampala city.

Abstract

Safe streets are essential in promoting circulation within the urban spaces. Pedestrian crossings are one of the facilities on such streets. For long, cross-walk crushes have resulted into fatal injuries and some into loss of innocent lives due to misuse and neglect of the already installed crossing facilities by the road users namely; pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. This research attempts to explore and evaluate the road users’ perception about pedestrian crossings on selected streets in Kampala city by; assessing the types of pedestrian crossings, ascertain any challenges faced by pedestrians while using pedestrian crossings in order to achieve planning and design interventions for user-friendly pedestrian crossings. Qualitative research design approach was used whereby interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection methords. Empirical studies were conducted on four selected case studies and the study results indicated that the rampant cross-walk crushes on pedestrian crossings are a function of abuse and neglect by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The study further indicates that the design, location, protection and conservation of some types of pedestrian crossings and the omission of other complementary pedestrian facilities affects the full functionality of these crossings. The study findings reveal that whereas Kampala city streets are installed with various types of pedestrian crossings, not all are appreciated by the intended users. The omission of the vast and maintenance of only one would result in a realistic drive towards the safety and convenient crossing of the roads in Kampala city. The research concludes that well as pedestrian crossings are meant to guarantee safety of users, they should be user friendly, and laid out in consideration of the basic pedestrian planning and design considerations complemented by educational and statutory measures.