Local authorities are increasingly setting targets to support
sustainable transport objectives. Many have set targets for cycle use,
often in line with the National Cycling Strategy target, of quadrupling
cycle trips between 1996 and 2012. In order to set appropriate local
targets, local authorities need to be able to quantify the existing
situation - the baseline - and to monitor changes in key indicators.
All this must be done with reasonable accuracy but without
disproportionate cost.
This report provides practical and statistical guidance on monitoring cycle use. It is based on
tests of a range of survey techniques undertaken by local authorities
in collaboration with TRL. The report explains why monitoring cycle use
differs from traditional traffic monitoring and outlines ways of
avoiding some of the particular problems entailed, especially conerning
cycle counting techniques.