The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is driving the mobility transition forward by relying on precise bicycle counting traffic data. The new counting project will generate comprehensive knowledge about the volume and structure of bicycle traffic in the state. Whether for daily commuting or recreational travel, the obtained data will be used to improve the cycling path network in a targeted manner and encourage even more people to ride bikes.
Why count cyclists?
With a network of around 16.000 kilometers of cycle paths, the Rhineland-Palatinate region is a cyclist's paradise. The bicycle traffic count provides anonymized data on usage frequency and times of day to help identify user groups, traffic purposes and prioritize infrastructure projects. For this project, about forty Comark's bike counters were deployed.
Precision with Comark’s bike counter
This project relies on state-of-the-art technology: cyclists are detected using Tattile laser counting system, in collaboration with Neo.Sens. This precise method allows for accurate data collection at strategically selected counting points along federal, state and county roads, as well as in cities and rural areas.
The growing popularity of bikes is expanding the range of many cyclists, even in the low mountain ranges of Rhineland-Palatinate, making such analyses indispensable. Comark LSR200BC detector uses laser technology to correctly detect bicycles, pedestrians and e-scooters. The laser detector is able to count and classify between bicycles, e-scooters and pedestrians while maintaining total anonymity.
Compared to other simpler counting systems, the sensor is very accurate in detecting bicycles, pedestrians and e-scooters even if they transit in groups. It performs continuous scans across the width of the cycle path and can distinguish individual bicycles, even when they are very close together.
The detector has been designed to work outdoors, even in adverse weather conditions, from both the mechanical and firmware points of view. Installation is quick and non-intrusive since it does not require any intervention on the road surface.
Working together for a bicycle-friendly future
This project is a key part of the Rhineland-Palatinate 2030 Cycling Development Plan. The plan was developed in collaboration with more than 40 partners from local authorities, associations and initiatives. The project supports cities and municipalities in establishing a safe and convenient network of cycle paths. The plan also aims to evaluate and justify measures to promote projects, such as the planned commuter route from Mainz to Ingelheim to Bingen.
