Cycle surveys and trend analysis

Our capacity

Cycling near-market analysis, cyclability and wide-area monitoring are some of our key strategic research strengths at London Analytics. Our substantial experience in the fieldmeans that when we face new problems, we can apply solutions and best practice learnt elsewhere, which means the job gets done faster and better.

Monitoring Cycle flows

Continuous cycle counts

This typically involves developing a random stratified sample of automated cycle counters [ACCs] across the road network to be monitored, using London Analytics' GIS-based algorithms. Site visits are then carried out to determine the most appropriate counting technology for that site, and the best precise location. The setting of the number of locations, the site-selection, and the data aggregation, must be done with regard to rigorous statistical procedures if the counted flows are to be at all meaningful and reliable. We can help your organisation through this process.

Call us on [+44] (0)20 7627 8924, or email us now, to find out more .

Manual counts

Extrapolating from a few day's observations to an estimate of the annual total requires a knowledge of the sampling and observation errors, together with an understanding of the variations that occur during and between days. Our previous research indicates that a single weekday's counts vary from the annual mean by -70% to +300%, even after compensating for seasonal and weather variations. We can help you to set up meaningful manual cycle surveys, and to interpret the data from them.

Making sense of your data

In addition to our stratified sampling methods for siting ACCs, we provide post-installation services, including database management, setting up your reporting procedures, calculating seasonal / weather adjustment factors, and creating a site-buddying system using our bespoke Ranked Alternative Site Interpolation algorithm to enable you to make optimal use of available data in interpolating counts where necessary to produce a timely trend analysis.

Research

We carry out a range of research on cycling, including mapping accessibility, identifying the barriers to the take-up of cycling, satisfaction surveys of cyclists, and social equality & inclusion: see for example this research paper on gender and cycling.

Project Experience for Cycle Monitoring and Research

Applying ADONIS lessons on transferring short trips to sustainable modes, to Britain.

Cycling, Gender and Critical Mass [pdf, 176kb]

Modelling cycling accessibility to Stratford in 2012

Development of attitudinal surveys for TfL

Analysis of the demographics and motivating factors within the near-market for cycling in Greater London

Motivational factors for starting cycling, for continuing to cycle, and psychological, physical and institutional barriers that hinder the take-up of cycling

Demographic analysis of London cyclists from LATS 2001

Web-based cyclist route-choice surveys

Guidance on

Technical advisor to the LIP monitoring group set up by TfL and the Association of London Government [ALG], to develop a set of techniques to monitor Borough Spending Plans and Local Implementation Plans, the London equivalent of LTPs, with specific responsibility for providing guidance to TfL and the boroughs on the monitoring of cycling, walking, accessibility and general traffic. As part of that programme we developed procedures for setting up robust before-and-after monitoring of schemes which will be of use to many local authorities across the country

Setting ambitious and realistic targets for London's Cycle Action Plan, based on international benchmarking, including trajectories, annual milestones, and an annual review mechanism to amend targets if progress diverges significantly from trajectory

Contributions to knowledge-sharing seminars for London boroughs and leading the training sessions on monitoring

Development of causal chains with ALG and TfL and London Boroughs: mapping inputs, outputs and outcomes, identifying the linkages, and monitoring success