A Systematic Literature Review of Pedestrian Safety in Urban Transport Systems

Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern in urban transport planning, particularly in rapidly expanding cities where infrastructure frequently fails to accommodate the needs of vulnerable road users. This literature review synthesises global research on pedestrian safety measures, identifying effective strategies and highlighting research gaps. Studies emphasise that traffic calming interventions, such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions, significantly reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Enhanced street lighting, especially at intersections and crossings, has improved visibility and perceptions of safety during nighttime travel. Safe crossing facilities, such as pedestrian signals, refuge islands, and grade-separated crossings—are particularly effective near schools, transit hubs, and densely populated areas. The review also highlights the role of speed management policies and enforcement in reducing crash severity and frequency. Furthermore, integrating pedestrian-oriented design in urban planning, through wider sidewalks, buffer zones, and reduced curb radii—can foster safer walking environments. Despite the availability of proven interventions, many cities in developing countries face challenges in implementation due to limited funding, weak policy frameworks, and inadequate data on pedestrian behaviour and crash patterns. This research reveals that the law enforcement, especially the speed control, traffic signals, traffic calming measures and awareness, are the dominant safety measures for ensuring the safety of pedestrians. The findings call for a context-specific, data-driven approach to pedestrian safety that prioritises the needs of all users, especially children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. This review contributes to the broader understanding of how urban design and transport policy can work in tandem to enhance pedestrian safety, encouraging inclusive, walkable cities that support public health, environmental goals, and equitable mobility.