Project Background

Using the FY2012 Transportation Bond and a partnership with the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) and CAMPO, the Town of Cary has installed bicycle and pedestrian counting devices at several locations across the town. These EcoCounter devices are designed to compile bicycle and pedestrian usage data on the Town's greenway and bicycle system. The units are installed at two locations on the Black Creek Greenway, on the Louis Stephens Drive street-side trail, and on Lake Pine Drive, to learn more about usage and analyze trends. Two additional units will be periodically circulated throughout the bicycle and greenway system to collect additional user data.

Project Scope

The counter technology consists of a PYRO box strategically placed along trails to tally the precise number of runners, bikers and walkers using infrared technology. Paired with a ZELT loop installed on the trail or in a bike lane, these counts can be separated to capture the exact number of cyclists and pedestrians, 24 hours a day. These counts allow for the tracking and comparison of the number and types of users on the greenway and bicycle system at various time increments such as hourly, daily, seasonally, or annually.

Over time, the numbers will help evaluate bicycling and walking usage on the Town's system, monitor commuting patterns and recreational trips, and identify trends. The data collected will help the town prioritize infrastructure projects, support grant applications and plan for future facilities.

For questions about the Town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Counting program contact the Transportation and Facilities staff below.

Contact

Todd Milam
Planner
Transportation Department
(919) 462-3945
todd.milam@townofcary.org

and

Katherine Williams, PLA
Project Manager
Capital Planning and Facilities
Katherine.Williams@townofcary.org