Bicycle and Pedestrian Counters
COMPASS uses bicycle and pedestrian counting equipment to collect usage data for regional bicycle and pedestrian planning. In addition, COMPASS collects pathway condition data through the COMPASS Data Bike.
This information helps COMPASS and member agencies make data-driven decisions on active transportation-related projects. More information on the counter program is below; learn more about the COMPASS Data Bike here.
Permanent Counters
COMPASS has installed 16 permanent bicycle/pedestrian counters to collect data on bicycle and pedestrian use around the valley. The counters provide information such as the numbers of bicyclists and pedestrians using certain routes, and the days of week and times of day they are using them. They track trends over time, to see if and how the numbers of users change by time of day, day of week, and month of year.
The permanent counters are the first of their kind in Idaho. The locations for the counters were chosen with input from the Active Transportation Workgroup, along with other considerations including vendor-supplied data and bicycle and pedestrian crash statistics.
COMPASS uses two different types of counters. Fifteen of them use infrared sensors to count users and are able to differentiate between cyclists and pedestrians and between directions of travel. One counter, located in the City of Nampa, collects more sophisticated data. It provides the same information as the other counters, but also detects how cyclists and pedestrians interact with the surrounding environment, such as showing if users are dodging obstacles or taking short cuts. Most importantly, this counter generates tangible data to show how different modes (e.g., cars and bicycles) interact with each other on shared roadways. These data will help COMPASS and our members better plan for safer infrastructure and travel patterns.
In addition to the permanent counters, which focus on dedicated biking and walking paths, COMPASS has also purchased portable bicycle/pedestrian counters which can be used on trails, roads, and at intersections. These portable counters can capture a lot of information about a small area, then be moved to do the same in a different area. When several portable counters are used together, they can measure all the bicycle and pedestrian movements at an entire intersection at one time.
Link to bicycle/pedestrian counter data.
View a larger version of the bicycle/pedestrian counter location map.
Portable Counters
In addition to the permanent counters, which focus on dedicated biking and walking paths, COMPASS uses five types of portable bicycle/pedestrian counters on trails, roads, and at intersections. These portable counters can capture detailed information about a small area, then be moved to do the same in a different area. When several portable counters are used together, they can measure all the bicycle and pedestrian movements at an entire intersection at one time. Member agencies can request placement of portable counters to collect data in their jurisdictions.
On-Road Portable Bicycle Counter (8 available)
Measures speed, direction, and general counts of bicyclists (pneumatic tubes). The TRAX Cycles Plus is powered by an internal battery pack and requires two tubes to be laid across the segment being counted.
On- and Off-Road Portable Pedestrian Counter (4 available)
Measures direction and general counts of pedestrians (infrared sensor). The PYRO-Box is powered by an internal battery pack must be strapped/mounted to nearby posts or vegetation.
Off-Road Portable Bicycle Counter (4 available)
Measures direction and general counts of and bicyclists (pneumatic tubes). The Tube counter is powered by an internal battery pack and requires two tubes to be laid across the segment being counted.
Portable Mountain Bicycle Counter (8 available)
Measures general counts of bicyclists on soft-surface trails where tube counters are not an option. The magnetometer technology is buried near the trail or pathway and detects bicyclists as they pass through via the metal components of the bicycle.
Portable Counter Requests
Submit requests for placement of temporary bicycle/pedestrian counters using this form; COMPASS staff will contact you to schedule your project.
Before submitting your request, please review the types of equipment available (above) and note:
- This service is only available to COMPASS member agencies.
- The requesting agency is responsible for coordinating with impacted parties and other relevant agencies (e.g., law enforcement, neighborhood groups, maintenance crews, etc.).
- Temporary counters are a seasonal service and are generally not available between October 18 – February 28 each year. However, requests may be submitted at any time.