Pedestrian crossing behavior in social groups: Exploring cultural contexts through a comparative study

•Social, situational and cultural factors significantly influence pedestrian behavior.•Local context and informal rules are essential in shaping pedestrian behavior.•Group pedestrians walk slower than individuals.•Men tend to walk faster than women in both study sites (Portugal and Colombia). Walking is a common mode of transportation that offers numerous benefits. However, pedestrians are vulnerable road users and account for a significant number of traffic accidents worldwide. Characterizing pedestrian behavior is crucial for enhancing safety and comfort. Several factors influence pedestrian behavior, including personal, situational, social, and cultural aspects. It is essential to consider these factors collectively for accurate predictions. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of cultural and location-specific influences on pedestrian behavior, yet many have focused primarily on risk perception, often neglecting the role of social interactions during street crossings. This study analyzes pedestrian behavior at a crossing in two culturally diverse cities: Bucaramanga in Colombia and Guimarães in Portugal. The research emphasizes the social and operational factors that affect how pedestrians cross streets. Specifically, it explores how cultural and social differences in each city influence group walking speed and mobility. The study examines several factors, including walking speed, the distance between pedestrians (whether in groups or alone), and the impact of group size and gender composition. The results demonstrate that informal rules and cultural context significantly impact pedestrian behavior during various crossing phases. Notable variations were observed in pedestrian speed before crossing and the spatial organization of groups during the crossing. To enhance road safety, interventions should consider these cultural factors and include educational programs that promote safe practices. This study contributes to a better understanding of how social factors influence pedestrian behavior and provides valuable insights for modeling pedestrian behavior, optimizing pedestrian facilities, and developing effective strategies for improving road user safety.