An analysis of pedestrian crossings through deep learning models and crash data

• The study analyses pedestrian crosswalks in urban contexts. • It uses deep learning models and graph theory tools. • Deep learning models are used to identify and regress crosswalk images. • 5-year pedestrian crash data are evaluated and linked to crosswalks. • Classification produces good results, with an accuracy of approximately 60–70% This study focusses on pedestrian crossing (crosswalk) analysis and classification in urban contexts. Deep learning models and graph theory tools serve as the foundation for the proposed approach. Deep learning models are used to identify and regress crosswalk images based on specific indices that assess pedestrian exposure to crash events, as well as raw crashes. The crosswalk images were captured using Google Earth’s capabilities and are from the entire set in Città Studi, Milan, Italy. Additionally, 5-year pedestrian crash data are evaluated and linked to crosswalks when applicable. Classification produces good results, with an accuracy of approximately 60–70%. Regression models work well with exposure indices but poorly with raw crashes. Correlations between exposure indices and crash data are negative and very low.