Impact analysis of street space quality on pedestrian behavior using mobile probe data

Pedestrian-centered streets are being developed to enhance the attractiveness of cities by creating comfortable and walkable spaces. Recent advancements in information and communication technology have allowed for the analysis of the relationship between street spaces and pedestrian behavior using mobile probe data (MPD). This study examined the characteristics of pedestrian behavior around major railway stations using MPD and assessed the impact of street space quality on pedestrian presence and traffic volume. This study utilized the integration value of the Space Syntax theory to measure the street walkability and the size of retail facilities to determine street attractiveness. The results suggested that street space quality played a conditional role in attracting pedestrians and increasing the traffic volume between stations and commercial areas. This analysis method is effective for identifying the streets where the street space between origins and destinations is underestimated in relation to traffic volume. This can facilitate efforts to convert streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces, thereby enhancing walkability. •We examine the relationship between pedestrian behavior and the street space quality around a large rail terminal.•We use the Space Syntax theory to express the street space quality relative to pedestrian behavior.•Some generalized linear models are used to test whether the street space quality influenced the quantity of pedestrian behaviors.•Street space quality has a complementary impact on origin–destination traffic volume in transportation planning.•Street space quality that enhances walkability contributes to pedestrian presence and traffic volume.