A second bicycle-pedestrian count has been completed in Michiana. The study shows that bike traffic along South Bend’s Notre Dame Avenue is among the highest in the area. The first count, conducted during the summer while schools were out of session, showed the highest traffic location to be Riverside Trail. Counts were made by Michiana volunteers, and were projected to annual estimates based on adjustment factors provided by the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project (NBPD). Counts have been conducted for a minimum of 2 days, of 2 hours each. Some sites have been counted for 4 days, each day consisting of between 2 and 11-½ hours.
The data is available to Michiana area planners in evaluating alternative transportation needs. It is also being provided to the NBPD to help them gather nationwide data. A goal of the NBPD is creating active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and normal daily activities.
The counts were organized by the City of South Bend, with assistance from the Bike Michiana Coalition and Indiana University at South Bend. The next count is planned for January.
