Data Collection and Spatial Interpolation of Bicycle and Pedestrian Data

Abstract

This report provides guidance for improving manual bicycle and pedestrian count programs and recommendations for using moving Bluetooth sensors to collect travel patterns. The project involved five independent studies. (1) An online questionnaire about manual count programs was sent to transportation specialists across the country, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for each state Department of Transportation. (2) Measurement error from manual counts was assessed through a controlled field experiment with 25 counters at five intersections. (3) A new method was developed to evaluate bicyclist exposure to dangerous situations based on manual count data. (4) GPS enabled Bluetooth sensors were provided to fifty-three people to track their location and intercept Bluetooth devices every seven seconds for a 10 day study period. The data was processed to infer trip purpose and method of travel for both the participants carrying the sensors and those they intercepted. (5) Bluetooth sensors were placed on buses to infer the origin-destination patterns of bus riders by analyzing intercepted devices when boarding and alighting the bus.