Self-Organization in Pedestrian Flow

Abstract

Microscopic simulation models predict different forms of selforganization in pedestrian flows, such as the dynamic formation of lanes in bi-directional pedestrian flows. The experimental research presented in this paper provides more insight into these dynamic phenomena as well as exposing other forms of self-organization, i.e. in case of over-saturated bottlenecks or crossing pedestrian flows. The resulting structures resemble states occurring in granular matter and solids, including their imperfections (so-called vacancies). Groups of pedestrians that are homogeneous in terms of desired walking speeds and direction appear to form structures consisting of overlapping layers. This basic pattern forms the basis of other more complex patterns emerging in multi-directional pedestrian flow: in a bi-directional pedestrian flow, dynamic lanes are formed which can be described by the layer structure. Diagonal patterns can be identified in crossing pedestrian flows. This paper both describes these structures and the conditions under which they emerge, as well as the implications for theory and modeling of pedestrian flows.

Quantitative analysis of pedestrian counterflow in a cellular automaton model

“…A possible approach was given by Yamori [45] who introduced a band index which is basically the ratio of moving pedestrians in lanes to their total number. Other attempts for lane detection were made by means of the velocity profile [20] and cluster analysis [12]. Here we will use the same order parameter which has been already used in [8] to detect lanes in a colloidal suspension.…”

“…Nevertheless, the phenomenon is best known in pedestrian counterflow from everyday experience although experimental or empirical studies are quite rare [11][12][13][14][15]. The effect can be understood as a self-organization process, where pedestrians try to minimize the contact with other pedestrians, especially if they have a different desired walking direction.…”

Reducing Bidirectional Pedestrian Conflict Based on Lane Formation Phenomenon in Subway Corridors

“…Additional studies focused on specific bidirectional characteristics such as lane numbers and selection probabilities [11][12]. The conventional studies, however, mostly targeted normal open-space facilities, such as intersection crosswalks or pedestrian sidewalks, and lacked a qualitative analysis in lane formed and control managements.…”

“…Helbing [45] analysed the characteristics of lane and proposed that the number of formed lanes depended on the density in the walking area. Hoogendoorn and Daamen [11] studied it quantitatively by cluster analysis and discovered patterns of two, three, and four lanes. Kretz et al [21] found that an odd number of lanes was likely to break the symmetry.…”

“…With the theoretical and methodical analysis of pedestrian flow, the bidirectional flow, which is a typical pedestrian flow organization, has attracted substantial attention [8][9][10][11][12][13]. The interactions of bidirectional pedestrian streams would induce a serious conflicting effect [14][15].…”