Pedestrian Footpath Level of Service (FOOT-LOS) Model for Johor Bahru

Abstract

Pedestrian level of service (LOS) is an overall measure of walking conditions on a route, path, or facility. This is linked directly to factors that affect mobility, comfort and safety, reflecting pedestrian’s perceptions of the degree to which the facility is pedestrian-friendly. A unique model called FOOT-LOS (short for pedestrian footpath level of service) was developed to facilitate the LOS measurement. The factors considered fall into three categories; physical, location and user attributes. Pedestrian conditions can be described through a grading system, i.e. from LOS A (ideal pedestrian condition) to LOS F (unsuitable pedestrian condition), based on an assessment of the factors affecting LOS. The assessment includes desktop and on-site assessment of LOS factors. The development of the model involved an iterative process that included testing and refinement. The research undertaken and the LOS model developed provide a sound basis for the measurement of LOS for pedestrian footpaths. The model not only provides a methodology for determining LOS, but also determines which factors predominantly contribute to the LOS of pedestrian footpaths.