How do you collect cycling data?
We collect information in multiple ways. We run surveys asking local cyclists qualitative questions on topics such as perceived safety. We then combine this with Strava information and automated data collected using infrared sensors and our MetroCount RidePod BT tube sensors.
How does the RidePod BT bike counter compare to other data collection methods?
The RidePod BT bike counter is better for capturing the mode share between different types of bikes and separating them from pedestrian traffic. It's also the only automated counter we can use on roads. For example, we installed our RidePod on the paved roadway between Bow Meadows and Fireside for a month in May 2023. It accurately counted 30‐40 bikes/day with a higher number of recreational usage (Sat/Sun vs weekday).
We also like that RidePod data can give us a better understanding of 'bike to school' traffic and kid's recreational cycling. Strava doesn't allow people under 18 years old to be counted - or at least doesn’t present their data for aggregation - so MetroCount data has been very useful here.
Another perk of the RidePod cycle counter is it works fine at night, in stormy weather and throughout winter, even in snowy conditions!
How is the data you collect being used?
We used data collected to help secure a major federal active transportation grant for improvements to the Historic Ranche and Glenbow pathways.
The RidePod data showed that over 30% of vehicles were driving through the bike lane on Glenbow Drive and this information guided the design of the new pathways, making them safer for cyclists.
Some of our data collection sites see peaks of over 1,000 users a day on our protected pathways. So this is one way we can prove that the infrastructure investments, such as separating bike lanes from the road, are well worth it.
Year-round data collection versus monthly counts?
We have two sites where we’d consider installing the RidePod BP permanent bike counter at our highest volume counting positions. This would allow us to gather pedestrian and bike information with a single counter. It would be a great way to show actual yearly statistics and seasonal trends instead of estimating these figures based on a single month's data.
How have you found the customer support offered by MetroCount?
We've rarely needed any support from MetroCount, as the RidePod is easy to set up, use and download data from. Whenever we've needed support, however, it’s been wonderful.
Any final words?
Data makes decision-making better and Metrocount’s RidePod BT is helping the Town of Cochrane grow up and make better infrastructure decisions.
If you'd like to find out more about Bike Cochrane's cycle counting projects, take a look at our 2023 traffic study.
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