Beyond the red and green: Effects of rational and irrational factors in pedestrian choice at two-stage signalized crossings with independent phases

Pedestrian safety warrants significant attention, specifically red-light violation behavior at these two-stage signalized crossings. Distinct from pedestrian behaviors at one-stage crossings, the decision-making processes at two-stage signalized intersections can be influenced by the signal conditions of the subsequent crossing stage. Moreover, the rational assessment of trade-offs between time and safety may shift under different situational conditions at two-stage intersections. To investigate these dynamics, the current study employs a stated preference (SP) survey to elucidate the factors influencing pedestrian crossing decisions at two-stage signalized crossings. A random parameter random regret multinomial logit model is utilized to quantify the probabilities of different crossing behaviors. The results demonstrate the presence of a green signal at the subsequent stage is positively with the likelihood of red light violation at the current stage, suggesting a predominant preference for time-saving over rule adherence, despite associated risks. Intriguingly, individuals characterized by low risk-taking and time-saving proclivities exhibit a significantly greater likelihood of red light running. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of pedestrian behavior, offering strategic insights for behavioral interventions and transportation planning, such as optimizing signal time plan, implementing advanced transportation facilities, improving junction design and enhancing deterrence measures, thereby enhancing safety and promoting walkability in urban environments.