Adequacy and usage of Pedestrian Traffic Infrastructure and Facilities in Nigerian Cities: Case Study of Minna, Niger State

Abstract

One of the major challenges of managing traffic in Nigerian cities is high rate of road crashes involved vehicular- pedestrian traffic. The underlying factors of vehicular-pedestrian crashes have remained largely speculative in Nigeria. This paper therefore attempts to assess the level of adequacy of infrastructure and facilities provided for controlling vehicular- pedestrian traffic conflict and the level of pedestrians‟ usage of these infrastructures and facilities. Questionnaire and observatory surveys of pedestrians perceptions, inventory of pedestrian facilities, and traffic flow/ volumetric count along the major traffic corridors and intersections in the city were carried out. The findings revealed that pedestrian infrastructure and facilities are grossly inadequate and the level of compliance with the usage of the existing infrastructure and facilities is very low. Furthermore, the level of risk of pedestrians to vehicular traffic conflicts and collisions at pedestrian crossings in the city is very high. For the whole city, an average pedestrian risk level of 0.23 per road crossing is recorded. In view of this, some recommendations which involve repair and regular maintenance of damaged pedestrian infrastructure and facilities as well as improved enforcement were made. In addition, a system approach to planning of city traffic and transportation is also recommended to Agencies of Niger State Government who are in charge of transportation and traffic planning in the City.