RiderLog

Data on cyclists choice of routes is invaluable for planning and prioritising investments in improvements to the network. Bicycle Victoria have recently launched an iPhone application that will assist in providing some more information on trip making and route choice of cyclists. Cyclists record their ride and the route, purpose and speed data gets uploaded to The Bicycle Network's RiderLog system. This information is available for the individual to have a look at their riding history. But of more interest to us is the fact that a Google Map of the routes used will be made available to government (without personal information) to allow them to use it in planning.
The information is unlikely to be a statistically valid sample but it will be able to give an indication of route choice. Providing information on travel speed along sections would also be useful. If it could be linked to, or used to inform, Google Maps' bicycle route generator - even better.

Pedestrian and bicycle counters

There are a number of different counting systems out there. Here are a couple more pedestrian and bicycle counting systems.

Brisbane City Council has recently installed Eco-counter induction sensors on some cycle pathways. They also produce a system that is good for counting cyclists in mixed traffic. You will see the double diamond layout of the sensors in the pavement if riding on the SE Bikeway through Ekibin Park. When combined with their pedestrian counting systems they can provide a count that will differentiate between pedestrians and cyclists.

Chambers Electronics uses a radio beam system to count and differentiate between pedestrians and cyclists. The advantage with this system is that it does not need to be installed in the pavement and so can easily be used on unsurfaced trails.

Bicycle counter

MetroCount have recently launched a vehicle classifier optimised for use on bicycle paths.

It has piezoelectric axle sensors and records bi-directional volume and speed information, date and time. It apparently can run for 290 days in standalone operation or can be linked to a power source - such as solar.