It is important to understand pedestrian numbers and characteristics in any given location to ensure there is an appropriate walking environment. Understanding current pedestrian activity is a useful starting point, however it is also important to be able to estimate how many people would walk if the environment were modified, such as through land use changes or removing physical or other barriers to pedestrian movements. This is known as ‘latent demand’.
Understanding pedestrian demand informs the planning and design of projects where pedestrians are or could be present. Pedestrian counts or directly observing the number of people walking in (or using) a particular area is one of the main ways to assess how many pedestrians are using the spaces.
PNG: Measuring process and methods
Other approaches can also be used, as shown in the table below. All are useful but should not be used in isolation – a combination will provide a comprehensive understanding of likely existing demand.
The approaches outlined in the table are:
Table: Ways to assess current demand for walking [PDF, 132 KB]
The methods outlined above can also be used to identify and measure latent demand, or the ‘untapped potential’, for walking and cycling, as well as to aid understanding of how improved provision for walking and cycling may realise a portion of latent demand. However, estimating latent demand for walking and cycling is an emerging science in New Zealand, with limited research into the application and effectiveness of the different methods employed around the country over the past decade.
Waka Kotahi Research Report 676 sought to understand how latent demand for both walking and cycling is currently estimated in a range of New Zealand and overseas settings. Secondly, it sought to describe preferred approaches that could be adopted nationally in New Zealand and recommend a method for developing and testing estimates of latent demand.
Waka Kotahi Research Report 676 Latent demand for walking and cycling
There is currently no robust way of forecasting walking trip generation, and all current methods have limitations. However, forecasting methods can help identify schemes that have the greatest potential to attract new walking trips. The table below outlines a rage of methods that can be used to assess future demand.
The methods outlined in the table are:
Table: Ways to assess future demand for walking [PDF, 134 KB]
