Math to match pedestrian behavior is all about timing

New simulations depict people’s trajectories by clocking impending collisions

A busy crosswalk in Tokyo

FOOT TRAFFIC  There’s a method to pedestrians’ madness, even at crowded intersections like this one in Tokyo. New simulations accurately depict pedestrian movement by factoring in people’s ability to anticipate impending collisions.

Bex Walton/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

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The behavior of pedestrians can seem unpredictable — especially in a big crowd.