Fear Is Not Enough:

Abstract

This observational study and survey of pedestrians in Dhaka, Bangladesh asks why more pedestrians do not use pedestrian bridges given the high number of pedestrian fatalities and the dangers of crossing Dhaka’s chaotic streets. Surprisingly, the research finds that individuals who are very worried about being hit by a vehicle or who report actually having been hit are no more likely to use pedestrian footbridges. Instead the convenience of bridges, the extent to which pedestrians are in a hurry, and the age of respondents offer far better predictors of pedestrian bridge use. The findings point to a need for improved infrastructure, law enforcement, and educational campaigns.