Study Details

Study Title: Analyzing the Impact of Median Treatments on Pedestrian/Bicyclist Safety

Authors: Zhang et al.

Publication Date:MAY, 2017

Abstract: To improve pedestrian/bicyclist safety, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has identified several high-frequency pedestrian/bicyclist crash locations through the Pedestrian Roadway Safety Audit (PRSA) Program. Recognizing an over-representation of pedestrian crashes related to illegal mid-block crossings, various median treatments have been implemented at target locations. While these countermeasures are generally perceived as effective and beneficial, this study seeks to quantify their impact. The research team applied trend and statistical analyses to assess the effectiveness of installed safety countermeasures. To investigate public opinions on median treatments, on-site surveys of pedestrians, bicyclists, and local businesses were conducted at the identified study locations. Trend analysis showed that median treatments helped reduce rates of various types of crashes at treatment sites, while increased rates were observed at control sites. Statistical analysis showed that median treatments had a significant, positive effect on the reduction total number of crashes and fatalities. Results from the surveys showed that the public believed that treatments were effective at discouraging mid-block crossings. Statistical analysis, trend analysis, and survey results supported the effectiveness of median treatments in decreasing crash rates and saving lives.

Study Citation: Zhang, L., S. Ghader, A. Asadabadi, M. Franz, C. Xiong, and J. Litchford. "Analyzing the Impact of Median Treatments on Pedestrian/Bicyclist Safety." Report No. MD-17-SHA/UM/4-28. Maryland State Highway Administration. Baltimore, MD. (May 2017).


CMFs Associated With This Study

Category: Roadside

Countermeasure: Median treatment for ped/bike safety

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
0.86143 StarsAllAllNot specifiedUrban
0.9193 StarsAllK,A,B,CNot specifiedUrban
1.12-122 StarsVehicle/bicycle,Vehicle/pedestrianAllNot specifiedUrban
0.14863 StarsVehicle/bicycle,Vehicle/pedestrianKNot specifiedUrban