We collect data on the number of people cycling in Palmers Green along Cycleway 20. You can view this data dating back to July 2018 in the charts below. The 2024 chart will be updated at the beginning of each month with data from the previous month.

Many people choose to cycle at all times of the year however it is quite common to see an increase in cycling numbers during the spring and summer. Therefore, over time we are looking to see increases for each month compared to the same month the previous year.

The 2020 cycle counts are significantly higher than other years due to people’s travel behaviours having been considerably impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The guidance published by the Department of Health and Social Care during 2020 stated that if individuals “need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible” as well as outdoor exercise and walking and cycling for leisure being permitted throughout all of 2020.

How do the counters work to effectively count people cycling in the cycle lanes?

As part of the installation of the cycle lanes we have installed the latest counter technology at a couple of locations which can count the number of cycle journeys. This is formed by an inductive loop being inserted 2 to 5 cm under the surface of the lane. Each time a bicycle goes over the loop, the system detects the electromagnetic signature of both wheels and registers a count.

How accurate are the cycle journey counts? 

Because of the use of the electromagnetic technology and algorithms within the system, the accuracy of the system is 95%+.

How do the cycle journeys counters identify cycles to count them?

The technology contains a number of different algorithms which allows it to detect only the wheels of a bicycle. For instance, if an individual on a wheelchair, mobility scooter or a baby buggy were to travel over the monitor, these would not be counted as the algorithm would recognise it as a different type of means of transport .