This Handbook For Bicyclist and Pedestrian Counts presents the methodology used to conduct bicyclist and pedestrian counts for the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Data Collection and Analysis Project for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). This methodology represents standard guidelines typically used when conducting counts of bicycle and pedestrian activity. Using the procedures outlined in this Handbook would ensure consistent results in future MTC counting efforts, and would ensure that counting efforts conducted by other jurisdictions could be incorporated into the database developed for the project. It should be noted that bicyclist and pedestrian information is often used as input into design and traffic engineering efforts. The procedures outlined in the Handbook can be applied to other bicyclist and pedestrian counting efforts. Since the Handbook was developed for a specific project, some of the guidelines may not be applicable. However, the general approaches and methodologies would be consistent. The purpose of the study to be conducted will dictate the methodologies to be used in the data collection effort, such as the amount of data needed, the days of the week and the time periods to be counted, and how the data should be summarised. In addition to bicycle and pedestrian counts, additional information may also be required, such as bicycle turning movements, pedestrian walking speeds, and other physical features at the count locations. Since the procedures and forms to collect this information are not included in this Handbook, they would need to be developed separately. To expand the information available to MTC and other jurisdictions, these new procedures and forms should be added to future versions of the Handbook. The Handbook is organised into five sections: Section 1 presents the development of the count calendar. Second 2 discusses the staffing, stationing of staff, the equipment and the forms for the counting effort. Section 3 includes the schedule of activities, including the steps during the week and day of the counts. Section 4 discusses how the data should be summarised. Section 5 presents the procedures for conducting a survey of bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, samples of the data collection forms can be found in Appendix A, and a sample count database can be found in Appendix B. (Author/publisher)
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