Bicyclist and Pedestrian Traffic Counts

Since 2007, the Minneapolis Public Works Department has conducted annual bicyclist and pedestrian traffic counts at locations throughout the city.

The count observations are conducted in the field by trained volunteers using a standardized count form and methodology. Counts are conducted on weekdays in mid-September from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and a simple extrapolation factor is used to estimate traffic over a 24-hour period. Automated counts are also used to validate the model and to understand traffic patterns over longer periods of time.

To determine annual changes in non-motorized traffic, Public Works counts 30 benchmark locations for bicyclists and 23 benchmark locations for pedestrians. There are over 300 additional locations that are counted once every three to four years and 100 more locations where special counts were conducted.

For questions about the bicyclist and pedestrian traffic count program, please contact Matthew Dyrdahl at 612-673-3642 or matthew.dyrdahl@minneapolismn.gov