Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures - sacog

Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures
SACOG
7. Conclusions
Critical Factors in Evaluating Pedestrian LOS
Although both models had very different approaches to quantifying pedestrian LOS, there
were several common factors that both models weighted heavily in the scoring. These
factors include:
Presence and condition of sidewalks
Buffers between vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic
Posted speed limit
Number of lanes
Traffic volumes
Few conflicts with other modes
Considerations for Using the MMLOS and PPM Models for Future Analysis
Factors Considered and Data Needs
The MMLOS model is very detailed and considers many factors; however, that level of detail
requires intensive data collection that not all agencies have the resources to undertake. The
MMLOS model is more suited to traffic engineers doing analysis for a specific project, where
only a small portion of a street is being considered. The amount of effort necessary to
evaluate entire corridors, neighborhoods, or cities is likely prohibitive, especially for smaller
agencies.
Complexity
In addition to needing large quantities of data, the MMLOS model is complex. Casual users
would be hard‐pressed to understand the relationships between variables. Again, for traffic
engineers who work with these types of data frequently, this model would be a useful tool.
For advocates and planners, however, the MMLOS model may not be a good fit for
performing corridor and neighborhood analyses.
Additionally, the MMLOS model is not readily customizable and takes a great deal of
tweaking to account for varying treatments on roadways. For example, the version of the
model used in this study was set up to analyze signalized intersections. This is acceptable on
busy urban and suburban arterials where nearly every intersection is signalized, but it does
not work as well in small downtown areas or residential neighborhoods. The MMLOS
technical background documents and the Highway Capacity Manual outline modifications
that would account for different roadway treatments, but that analysis is beyond the scope
of this project.
Consideration of Traffic Volume
Average daily traffic (ADT) is the most heavily weighted factor in the MMLOS model. Even
segments with relatively moderate traffic volumes (8,000‐14,000 ADT) will find it difficult to
score above average LOS. Only segments with very low volumes (4,000‐6,000) scored well in
the MMLOS model analysis. The PPM model, on the other hand, assigns points based on
automobile LOS rather than separating out traffic volumes, number or lanes, and congestion
Issue Date: June 2011
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