Traffic monitoring loops on cycle paths

[ufkacbln]

Depends on the counter type how they work...

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/tal/cyclefacilities/monitoringlocalcycleuse?page=3

Tubes are still widely used for automatic traffic counts.

Thanks,

I confess to the same in Scotland a few years ago, Cycle path miles from anywhere which was being monitored so rode across it a few times to up the numbers!

 

[goosander]

Interesting link Dom. The counters around Dalmeny look like the inductive loop type which according to the DfT have problems with the 'relatively small amount of metal in a bicycle', so may or may not be doing their job.

 

[GrahamG]

Don't worry, the dificulty that inductive loops have in picking up bikes tends to be for classified traffic counts (i.e. counts are given vehicle classifications) on main roads - the counter will be calibrated a lot more easily to pick up one vehicle type (bikes) and I suspect that prams/pushchairs will be factored out according to some manual counts.

Be greatful that the council is monitoring use - it gives them hard evidence of demand to justify investment in future schemes. I wish Birmingham could do something similar; the cycling team can't even ascertain how many cycle trips are made into the city centre as any robust monitoring is 'too expensive' according to their budget holders, much like getting money to print the excellent cycling and walking map.