Pedestrian Group-Crossing Behavior Modeling and Simulation Based on Multidimensional Dirty Faces Game

Abstract

The conflict between pedestrians and vehicles plays a significant role in influencing the efficiency of intersections. In turn, the effectiveness of intersections greatly affects the entire network. Statistical data indicates that up to 70% of people move in groups (such as friends, couples, or families walking together). The pedestrian group-crossing behavior, as well as an analysis of the dynamics between groups of pedestrians and vehicles at unsignalized intersections, deserves a thorough study. In this paper, a model based on the multidimensional dirty faces game is proposed to analyze the crossing behavior of pedestrians and vehicles as “rational people.” Computer simulations were performed to investigate the effect of the group size on crossing behavior and conflict risks. The relationship between heterogeneity of waiting time and walking speed is also investigated. These findings can be used to advance understanding on the “Chinese style road crossing” phenomenon and elucidate the dynamics involved.