Evaluation of Pedestrian Level of Service of Selected Footpath Segments of Dhaka City Using Multi-criteria Decision Making Approach

Abstract

Walking is considered to be the most important mode of travel across the world, particularly for a shortdistance trip. Since 19.6% of the trips are made by the foot in Dhaka, it is necessary to ensure a friendly walking environment in the footpath for the welfare of pedestrians of Dhaka. This study aims to make a comparative analysis of Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) of selected footpath segments along Segun Bagicha road, Toynbee Circular Road, Mirpur Road, and Baily road. Pedestrian Level of Service has been determined based on ten factors: path width, pedestrian volume, crossing facilities, availability of buffer, distance from vehicular traffic, surface quality, comfort, walking environment, the existence of street light. The weight of each factor has been determined through the Multi-criteria analysis approach Analytical Hierarchy Process. Path width, Pedestrian volume, and the existence of buffer are the first, second and third most important factors. PLOS has been determined based on the indexed value of factors and weight of factors. All the sections were found to have poor PLOS. The findings of the study will be helpful for transport policymakers to improve the condition of these factors to ensure a better walking condition for pedestrians of selected footpath sections.