14.2.1.1 HCM and Related Software

The HCM-based software HCS is used for pedestrian analysis scenarios as described in .
The HCM contains methodologies (including formulas for calculating LOS) for several pedestrian facility types (see ), but the HCS only analyzes urban street segments, Two-Way Stop-Controlled (TWSC) intersections, and signalized intersections. For street segment analysis, the HCM uses pedestrian density to determine LOS. As such, it is recommended that the HCM methodology for street segment analysis only be considered for pedestrian facilities with high pedestrian volumes (e.g., suburban residential, greenbelts, parks/plazas, low-density commercial, central business districts, mixed-use developments, tourist destinations, outdoor shopping centers). HCS (or similar software tool) is recommended for analysis of pedestrian facilities at signalized intersections. LOS D is recommended as a minimum target for signalized crossings and street segments.
While pedestrian analysis can be conducted by hand for most pedestrian facilities covered in the HCM, PLTS analysis is recommended for most facilities, as described in .
Pedestrian analysis methodology/tool selection flowchart
Figure 14-1: Pedestrian analysis methodology/tool selection flowchart
Table 14-2: HCM 7th Edition Pedestrian Analysis by Facility Type
Facility Type
HCM Chapter and Section Number
Urban street facilities
16.4
Urban street segments
18.4
Signalized intersections
19.5
Two-way stop-controlled intersections
20.5
All-way stop-controlled intersections
21.5
Roundabouts
22.5
Ramp terminals and alternative intersections
23.B.4
Off-street facilities
24.3, 24.4
To conduct a pedestrian analysis of signalized intersections, the inputs below are collected and entered into the corresponding fields on the HCS. Definitions of multimodal inputs are found in the HCS User Guide. Traffic inputs for the intersection will impact LOS calculations for the analysis and are entered.
  • Permitted left-turn flow, veh/h;
  • Mid-segment 85th % speed, mi/h;
  • Number of right-turn islands;
  • Walkway width, ft;
  • Crosswalk width, ft;
  • Corner radius, ft;
  • Outgoing pedestrian volume, ped/h;
  • Incoming pedestrian volume, ped/h;
  • Circulating ped volume, ped/h;
  • Rest-in-walk enabled;
  • Pedestrian signal head; and
  • Crosswalk closed
HCM defines pedestrian LOS at signalized intersections using a LOS Score. LOS thresholds for pedestrians are presented in .
Table 14-3: HCM LOS Criteria for Pedestrians at Signalzed Intersections
LOS
LOS Score
A
≤1.50
B
>1.50-2.50
C
>2.50-3.50
D
>3.50-4.50
E
>4.50-5.50
F
>5.50
To conduct a pedestrian analysis of urban street segments, the inputs shown below are collected and entered into the corresponding fields on the HCS. Definitions of multimodal inputs are found in the HCS User Guide. To view results, print the “segments report” located in the HCS.
  • Two-way pedestrian volumes, ped/h;
  • Pedestrian waiting delay, s/ped;
  • Pedestrian free-flow speed, ft/s;
  • Downstream intersection width, ft;
  • Sidewalk presence;
  • Inside object effective width, ft;
  • Outside object effective width, ft;
  • Buffer width, ft;
  • Nearest signal distance, ft;
  • Sidewalk length adjacent to window, proportion;
  • Sidewalk length adjacent to building, proportion; and
  • Sidewalk length adjacent to fence, proportion
shows the HCM LOS criteria for pedestrians for urban street segments (linked-based). The overall segment pedestrian LOS uses the higher or worse of the LOS letter scores resulting from the average pedestrian space on the sidewalk and the segment pedestrian LOS score.
Table 14-4: HCM LOS Criteria: Pedestrian Mode Along Segments or Links
SegmentBased Pedestrian LOS Score
Segment-Based LOS by
Link-Based
Pedestrian LOS
Average Pedestrian Space (ft
2
/p)
>60
>40-60
>24-40
>15-24
>8-15
≤8.0
1
Link-Based LOS Score
LOS
≤2.00
A
B
C
D
E
F
≤1.50
A
>2.00- 2.75
B
B
C
D
E
F
>1.50-2.50
B
>2.75- 3.50
C
C
C
D
E
F
>2.50-3.50
C
>3.50- 4.25
D
D
D
D
E
F
>3.50-4.50
D
>4.25- 5.00
E
E
E
E
E
F
>4.50-5.50
E
>5.00
F
F
F
F
F
F
>5.50
F
1
In cross-flow situations, the LOS E/F threshold is 13ft
2
/p