Development of Estimation Methodology for Bicycle and Pedestrian Volumes Based on Existing Counts

Abstract

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) adopted the Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy directive in 2009 stating that ...the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians shall be included in the planning, design, and operation of transportation facilities, as a matter of routine... While well intentioned, this policy directive remained difficult to fulfill without sufficiently accurate estimates of bicycle and pedestrian volume on CDOT facilities. This research project enables CDOT to answer the question of whether or not these road users are being adequately accommodated by establishing Colorado-specific methodologies for estimating bicycle and pedestrian volumes via a limited sample of existing counts. Because it is not economically realistic to collect continuous count data throughout the entire CDOT system, there is a need to establish procedures for handling bicycle and pedestrian data and calculations as well as methods for estimating annual bicycle and pedestrian use from short-term counts. This work will facilitate improved use of CDOT’s existing investments in collecting continuous and short-term bicycle and pedestrian count data. It will also enable CDOT to better understand the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians as well as best allocate limited resources in order to properly meet those needs. Using the factoring method presented in this report, CDOT can automate the estimation of annual average daily bicyclists (AADB) and annual average daily bicyclists and pedestrians (AADBP), just as is currently done for motor vehicle traffic. Since the method is essentially the same and the grouping of the sites can be automated, this should not require significant staff time. By publishing the non-motorized traffic counts and AADB and AADBP estimates on its website, CDOT can share this processed data with local agencies throughout the state.

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