Comments on Portland gets a "bike barometer" - Greater Greater Washington

Comment by Nancy

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 02:24:07 EDT

There are two Portlands. I know which one you're talking about, but it's probably a good idea to specify.

Comment by Nick81

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:02:58 EDT

I saw an unmarked brown metal box (on a post I think) on the W&OD trail recently and was wondering what it was - I assumed it was some sort of security camera. I think it was just south of I-66 near the Custis trail junction. Now I know what it was.

I tend to agree with Samuel Moore though - a somewhat silly use of money, which could be better used on actual infrastructure and not on giving bikers a psychological boost.

Comment by Falls Church

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:36:42 EDT

I'm all in favor of receiving one these things free of charge from a local bike organization like Portland got from Bike Oregon. How about seeing if WABA would be willing to pony up for it and in return they can brand the bike counter and get some PR out of it? Or maybe partner with some LBSs like Revolution Cycles and let them advertise on the counter if they pay for it?

Comment by @SamuelMoore

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:15:59 EDT

Waste of money. Cute idea, but just a waste of money, time, etc... I'd rather have bike lanes repainted, new signs, whatever.

Comment by thump

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:10:51 EDT

I like the idea of these counters. I think it's a psychological boost to riders and I think it might induce someone who is on the fence about riding to give it a try. If I drove by it everyday, but have been thinking about giving biking a try I might say "hey, there are a lot of other people doing it too..." and go for it. Additionally, I think it's a good reminder to motorists that others are using that space too.

Comment by Sally

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:05:44 EDT

We have the small box counters on the Met Branch Trail as well. I believe they are maintained by Rails to Trails. There are 2 that I know of and it is how we get the data on how many people are using the trail. I do think the display of the numbers might be useful in some places in the city to remind everyone of the number of bikers that use a certain route.