RISK PERCEPTION OF PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND BUILT ENVIORNMENT IN PUNE CITY

Authors:

Tejas Shinde, Tushar Alhat, Tanmay Karkud, Shaurya Bendke

AResearchPaper|GroupNo.12|AcademicYear2025–26, SEM-II

Department of Civil Engineering

JSPM's Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune–411033 Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

A B S T R A C T

This study examines the risk perception of pedestrian safety in relation to build environment conditions in Pune. Rapid urbanization and increasing traffic volume have significantly influenced pedestrian safety, making pedestrians one of the most vulnerable road users. The research aims to understand how pedestrians perceive safety risks while walking and crossing roads across different urban settings, including intersections, sidewalks, and mixed-traffic zones.

Key built environment factors such as footpath availability and condition, crossing facilities, traffic speed, street lighting, and encroachment are analyzed to evaluate their impact on perceived risk. Data is collected through structured questionnaires, field surveys, and site observations at selected locations within the study area. The study further examines variations in perception based on demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and walking frequency.

The findings indicate that inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, poor crossing facilities, high vehicle speeds, and encroachments significantly increase perceived risk levels. The study highlights a critical gap between existing urban infrastructure and pedestrian safety expectations. It emphasizes the need for pedestrian-centric planning, improved infrastructure design, and effective traffic management strategies. The outcomes provide practical insights for urban planners and policymakers to enhance pedestrian safety and promote sustainable and walkable urban environments.