Bike-Pedestrian Counters

Program Objective

We have initiated a Bike-Pedestrian Counter Program to provide a reliable method of data collection. This data will be used to advance the goal of making biking and walking more comfortable and more connected in Norfolk by better understanding the needs and trends of pedestrians and cyclists in the city. The data is used to justify the existence of existing infrastructure and to support the planning and investment for future network expansions and safety measures for both modes.

The dashboard below shows bicycle and pedestrian trip counts in Norfolk from February 9, 2019 through September 30, 2023. The data is shown for both Roadsys and Eco-Counters and is updated on a quarterly basis. NOTE: The Roadsys bike-pedestrian counter program launch in March 2021.

Types of Counters

There are two different types of bike-pedestrian counters that have been installed throughout the city - Roadsys Counters and Eco-Counters. The Eco-Counters (image below on the left) are wooden posts with electric sensors installed into the adjacent pavement. There are currently seven Eco-Counters in Norfolk that have been installed at specific locations along the Elizabeth River Trail since 2019.

The Roadsys counters are solar-powered aluminum posts with two electric sensors installed into the pavement of the bike lanes (image below in the middle). The mixed bike-pedestrian counters also include an infrared sensor that faces the sidewalk (image below on the right). There are currently 15 Roadsys counters that have been installed along Norfolk's existing bike lanes to accurately track pedestrian and cyclist us along the bike network.

Data Collection

This counter system combines the passive infrared sensor to count pedestrians on the adjacent sidewalk and an inductive loop sensor to detect bicycles in existing bike lanes. The following map and table shows the installed and operational bike-pedestrian counters in Norfolk.