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This report summarises research undertaken in Christchurch, New Zealand, between October 2001 and May 2002, to evaluate automatic bicycle counting technologies. A literature review and consultation with key staff in road controlling authorities were undertaken to select the equipment to test.

Rigorous testing was performed on two counters which used pneumatic rubber tube detectors: the Golden River Marksman 410 Bicycle Classifier and the MetroCount Vehicle Classifier 5600 Series. Tests were undertaken both off-street, to simulate conditions in parks and on cycle paths, and on-street in mixed traffic, to simulate typical conditions for cyclists. Other types of equipment were not tested, although they may be satisfactory for counting bicycles.

Both counters performed satisfactorily and are recommended for use in New Zealand for counting bicycles, either off-street or on-street, and in both urban and rural situations. They are capable of counting and classifying bicycles and motor vehicles simultaneously. Recommendations are made about correct procedures for using the machines for counting bicycle traffic and for further research into bicycle counting.

The research is important as it demonstrates that automatic bicycle counting is feasible and relatively easy to do as part of routine traffic counting.

Keywords: automatic, bicycle, Christchurch, count, cycle, cycling, Golden River, MetroCount, New Zealand, off-road, on-road, pneumatic tubes, roads, rural, traffic, urban, vehicles