Pedestrian and Bicyclist Counts and Demand Estimation Study (TTI-2013-3)

This report contains six chapters that document the activities related to counting bicycles and pedestrians, modeling techniques for non-motorized demand, and developing a non-motorized counting plan for the HGAC region. The chapter titles and brief summary include: 1. PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST MONITORING -- EQUIPMENT AND METHODS - A literature review of the state of the art and state of the practice on counting technologies, describing the strengths weaknesses and challenges of counting bicycles and pedestrians. 2. COUNTING EQUIPMENT - GUIDANCE AND INSTALLATION - Two permanent counting stations were installed and guidance on placement, settings and best practices for portable pedestrian and bicycle (non-motorized) counters were provided. A bike classification scheme was developed to more accurately count bikes using pneumatic tube counters. Draft interlocal agreements were developed addressing deployment, operation, and maintenance responsibilities for both the permanent and short term use devices and may be used for interagency loan and use of the temporary count equipment. 3. DEVELOP PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE COUNTING PLAN - Existing count locations and counts were gathered and summarized to use as the basis of the non-motorized count plan. A concept of permanent and short term counts, similar to what is done for motorized traffic was developed to sample and apply factors to the short term counts. 4. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING STRUCTURE - A conceptual level data repository with a list of elements was developed based on literature and desire to develop bike and pedestrian indices. 5. PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE DEMAND ESTIMATION - A model was developed from household travel survey data to estimate current demand. Indices based on roadway, and traffic characteristics were calculated and gaps between supply and demand were shown graphically with maps.