Energy and Transportation | Research and Development
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists make up a growing percentage of roadway fatalities, so we work to make sure transportation systems take their needs and abilities into account.
MRIGlobal is a leader in developing design guidance to accommodate the safety, operations, and comfort of pedestrians and bicycles. We work with highway agencies to address the increasing exposure of vulnerable road users to other modes of traffic through the design of safer facilities for walkers, bikers, children, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. We develop these solutions without reducing efficiency and quality of service for motor vehicles.
Capabilities
MRIGlobal’s capabilities for researching, developing, and evaluating pedestrian and bicyclist patterns include:
MRIGlobal evaluates ways to predict pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Our methods estimate crash likelihood for data-driven decisions for prioritizing improvements to roadway networks.
In evaluating infrastructure, we use both bicycle crash data and surrogate measures of safety. This evaluates the safety of specific roadway geometries and bike facilities. Pedestrian crossings are evaluated using both video data of pedestrian crossing behavior and observation of staged crossings under specific conditions. This assesses driver responses, such as the likelihood of yielding. We also evaluate the impact of intersections with different traffic control types on both pedestrian crossing and driver yielding behavior.
We prioritize specific areas for improved pedestrian and bike-friendly treatments by studying where crashes are most likely to occur. We use crash and exposure data, in conjunction with roadway and traffic characteristics, our researchers develop statistical models to predict crash likelihood on specific roadway segments and intersections.
We draft and revise documents with detailed information for highway designers on how to make roadways safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Our guidance addresses issues of design, construction, and the maintenance of sidewalks, bike lanes, crossings, traffic control, driveways, and personal safety.
PAST PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PROJECTS
MRIGlobal’s work in the area of bicycles and pedestrians includes:
Tools to help highway agencies estimate the safety impacts on bikes and peds; how alternative treatments mitigate potential issues for vulnerable users
Tools to help highway agencies estimate the safety impacts on bikes and peds; how alternative treatments mitigate potential issues for vulnerable users
Crash prediction methodologies for use in the Highway Safety Manual
Drafting and editing versions of the AASHTO Pedestrian and Bike Guides
Design guidance for moderate and low-speed roads
Older Drivers Handbook
Design guidance for reducing motorcycle crashes
Our Staff
We don’t just research pedestrian and bicycle safety, we live it. Our research is motivated by our own enjoyment of active transportation within our communities and getting home safely.
MRIGlobal’s staff participate in the Pedestrian and Bicycle committees at the Transportation Research Board’s annual conference each year to help shape the direction of research in these fields. Our staff are on the cutting edge of estimating pedestrian and bicycle trips, designing facilities that help pedestrians and cyclists feel safe and secure, and separating vehicles from vulnerable road users to minimize the potential for collision.
Work with us
MRIGlobal looks forward to contributing our expertise where it matters most.
Want to work with an industry leader in highway safety and technology? If you’d like to learn more about what MRIGlobal can do for your business or project, try our custom Project Quote Tool.