Numbers!

If you see a weird diamond-shaped groove in the green bike lane on Fallsway, RIDE YOUR BIKE OVER IT!  

This is the newly installed ZELT loop detector by Eco-Counter.  The counter uses different parameters like speed, weight, and wheel base distance to distinguish bike traffic from vehicular traffic helping DOT accurately count bike traffic along Fallsway.  The in-ground detector is the first of its kind in Baltimore. 

DOT’s first automated bicycle & pedestrian counter has been in use on the Pratt St bike lane since March 2009.  Here the pyro sensor detector tracks everything that crosses the counter’s beam whether bicycles, pedestrians, delivery trucks, taxis etc.  (Yes, I account for a margin of error here.)

Next week, local bicycle traffic verifiers will be tracking bikes “the old-fashioned way” – just by counting them.  I appreciate all the volunteers that are taking time out of their schedule to contribute to this effort.   If you’re riding by Falls & Maryland, Aliceanna & Boston, Guilford & Mt. Royal or Frederick & the Gwynns Falls Trail, be sure to thank them as well.

Through automoted counters & volunteers, the data collected will be used to gauge the increase in bicycle traffic and help give numbers to support inclusion of bicycle infrastructure in future roadway projects.  These numbers are specifically important this year as Maryland Avenue is due for resurfacing next year.  If we have the traffic numbers and public support, DOT may consider a “cycletrack” here.

We’re making bikes count by counting bikes!