External link: http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/reportdetail.html?id=2454

Publication date: June 15, 2015

Capsule summary: This report details the implementation of a bicycle and pedestrian counting initiative that used sensors for automated counting and produced models based on collected counts.

Author(s): Lindsey, Greg; Petesch, Michael; Hankey, Steve

Publisher(s): Minnesota Department of Transportation

Definition: Modeling travel demand
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/demand/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: The maintenance and advancement of traffic operation systems
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/ops/
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TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Bqd
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Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
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Definitions: The movement of people
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Definitions: Transportation on foot
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/pedestrian/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definitions: Transportation by bicycle
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/bicycle/
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TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Bmbd
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
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Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/report/
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Description: Informed decision-making is based on appropriate quantities of high-quality data. This project focused on collecting bicycle and pedestrian data in order to inform decision-makers developing policies that affect non-motorized travel. The strategies implemented in this study contribute to an emerging body of knowledge on traffic monitoring, and study the feasibility of using sensors in Minnesota for automated counting of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to develop a strategy for the use of sensors in bicycle and pedestrian counting efforts. The research team worked with local governments to obtain and calibrate sensors. The study also evaluated the feasibility of modeling based on the data collected in short durations, and developed strategies for integrating the data into Minnesota DOT traffic monitoring processes. The report includes a case study conducted on the Minneapolis trail network.

Findings: There is currently a high level of demand for bicycle and pedestrian traffic monitoring data. The use of automated sensors is a feasible strategy for collecting cost-effective and accurate bicycle and pedestrian data, for both permanent and short-duration studies. However, integrating the data into MnDOT’s existing data repositories was a challenge, and data management strategies will be an area of continued research.

Recommendations: For agencies seeking to supplement their bicycle and pedestrian traffic monitoring data, or to develop a new data collection strategy, automated sensors may be an effective solution. The outcomes of the findings of this study can also provide guidance. Increased investments, study of published research findings, and use of the DRAFT Bicycle and Pedestrian Data Collection Manual produced by this study can support data collection program development.

Research Theme: Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit, Traffic Operations, Travel Demand Modeling

Community Type:

Transportation Mode: Bicycle, Pedestrian, Personal

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: DOT

Planning Subject: Facility or Land Use, Sustainable Transportation, Transportation Planning, Transportation System Management