Study on Pedestrian's Speed and Density under the Mid-Low Density: Comparison of Pedestrian Behavior on the Station Square between Chiba, Japan and Shanghai, China

Abstract

The correlation between pedestrian speed and density is a central topic in walking space research, though most studies have focused on high-density conditions. This paper examines speed-density relationships under mid-low density conditions, which are common in everyday urban contexts, with a focus on station squares. Two case studies were conducted: JR Nishi-Chiba Station in Chiba, Japan, and Dapuqiao Station in Shanghai, China. Video recordings during peak and off-peak hours were used to map pedestrian pathways and measure speed, density, and shortcut behaviours. Results show that in both locations pedestrian speed is slower and density lower in off-peak hours, and speed increases with density during peak hours. Pedestrians move slower on steps compared to flat areas, and under mid-low density the correlation between speed and density is weakly positive, differing from the negative correlation typically found in high-density contexts. Comparative analysis revealed cultural differences: pedestrians in Shanghai more frequently adopt shortcut behaviours, while pedestrians in Chiba tend to walk faster. These findings suggest that cultural contexts influence pedestrian strategies, providing useful insights for designing walking spaces better suited to behavioural patterns in different societies.