Baseline exploration of safety and accessibility perceptions prior to planned improvement works at key crossing points
pedestrians interviewed
sampling locations at key crossing points
day interviewing period
Challenge
Sheffield City Council planned to implement improvements at two key crossing points along the A61 Chesterfield Road Corridor to make them safer and easier to use. Prior to implementing the changes, it wished to undertake a survey of pedestrians to understand public perceptions of safety and accessibility.
As an independent research agency, Enventure Research was commissioned to undertake the baseline survey with those using the crossing points, to serve as a baseline measure.
Approach
In partnership, a questionnaire was designed by Sheffield City Council and Enventure Research, covering topics including ease of crossing and perceived barriers, safety and confidence, clarity of where and when to cross, and usage of bus services near crossings. Gender and age demographic data was also recorded, in addition to whether respondents used a mobility aid or had a visual impairment.
Interviews were conducted out face to face at sampling points identified by the Council and took around five minutes to complete. The interviewing team approached as many pedestrians as possible over the age of 18 walking along the routes and waiting at crossing points. A screening question at the beginning of the survey ensured that no duplicate responses were received.
Outcome
A total of 208 interviews were completed over the four-day fieldwork period. Enventure Research analysed the findings, producing a detailed written report. The report outlined the overall findings and highlighted similarities and differences in the views of those interviewed at the two sampling locations.
The survey will be repeated following the improvement work, allowing an accurate evaluation of the scheme.
“This was a particularly valuable piece of research because it provided a robust baseline understanding of how pedestrians experience two key crossing points on the A61 corridor. The findings highlighted a number of important issues relating to safety, accessibility, confidence and ease of crossing, with clear differences identified between locations and user groups. The research has created a strong evidence base to inform the improvements and evaluate their impact over time.”
Insightful research. Expertly delivered.
