Advocacy & Safety - What would they monitor a bike path for?

Saw this today on a bike path clearly marked as a bike path. Little set-up just like you sometimes see on the regular roads. Note that they have the double tubes to calculate speed as well as raw count numbers. My worry is that the pedestrians are complaining that cyclists have had the audacity to use a bike path to bike.

(Sorry for the low-quality shot -- $15 camera with a lens needing cleaning.)

Probably just counting how many bikes use the path, just like you see on roads sometimes.

What ever you do... ride over it many times... no doubt funding is somehow linked to this study. :D

It appears that one cable goes only 1/2 way, therefore, they could get an idea of which side of the path one is on, and perhaps which direction one is going by comparing the two counters (if there are two counters). They may not be for speed at all.

What ever you do... ride over it many times... no doubt funding is somehow linked to this study. :DPossibly. :)

Could be funding, could be transportation analysis for city planning, could be transportation analysis for clean air measures, could be transportation analysis for a new subdivision...Only the consultant knows for sure.

Usually counters like this on a bike path are a good thing. It gives county/city staff some statistics on path use and many times semi-accurate data on alternative transportation use to argue for more funding. The double tubes are definately for direction. The counters inside the box are nearly smart enough to calculate speed. :)

I hate to say it but it could be to get a count of how many actually use the trail because someone probably wants to tear it out in favor of some other kind of useless development. More then likely what will happen regardless of the count is the results will be manipulated to fit what the developer wants.

I hate to say it but it could be to get a count of how many actually use the trail because someone probably wants to tear it out in favor of some other kind of useless development. More then likely what will happen regardless of the count is the results will be manipulated to fit what the developer wants.
Or the opposite could be true. They could be measuring to see if demand is high enough to build another path. I agree that the loop on one side probably means they are trying to get an idea of directional traffic, but is it possible that they are measuring speed to determine if they need to add enforcement?

I hate to say it but it could be to get a count of how many actually use the trail because someone probably wants to tear it out in favor of some other kind of useless development. More then likely what will happen regardless of the count is the results will be manipulated to fit what the developer wants.

You're just like a lil ray of sunshine on a cold bleak day.

My worry is that the pedestrians are complaining that cyclists have had the audacity to use a bike path to bike.
Wrapping the inside of your bicycle helmet with aluminum foil will make those worries go away. Also eliminates the invisible black helicopters from monitoring your bicycling movements.

I'm sure all this speculation of developer conspiracies and black helicopters monitoring your thoughts through your non-foil lined helmet is great fun but why not contact the local authorities and ask them why the counters are there?

I'm sure all this speculation of developer conspiracies and black helicopters monitoring your thoughts through your non-foil lined helmet is great fun but why not contact the local authorities and ask them why the counters are there?
Probably would not help since the local authorities are financial partners with the bike lane building consortium (under the auspices of Haliburton) and run from an undisclosed location. Either that, or the local authorities may be Bubba's buddies down at the redneck pool hall and will pistol whip the OP if he dares to reveal that he has uncovered their nefarious scheme.:rolleyes:

Probably would not help since the local authorities are financial partners with the bike lane building consortium (under the auspices of Haliburton) and run from an undisclosed location. Either that, or the local authorities may be Bubba's buddies down at the redneck pool hall and will pistol whip the OP if he dares to reveal that he has uncovered their nefarious scheme.:rolleyes:

....best not take any chances then, pass the roll of foil when you're done :p

Before the conspiracy theorists run amok, find out who is actually doing the tally. I volunteered for a NFP, and we counted bicycle traffic on Martha's Vineyard. But it wouldn't hurt to go over the counter quite frequently..... :D

contact the local authorities and ask them

+1 :p That's just crazy talk.

....best not take any chances then, pass the roll of foil when you're done :p
You'll only get my roll of foil (or duct tape) when you can pry it from my cold dead fingers!

I hate to say it but it could be to get a count of how many actually use the trail because someone probably wants to tear it out in favor of some other kind of useless development. More then likely what will happen regardless of the count is the results will be manipulated to fit what the developer wants.There were actually two sets of counters, one on each side of a segment. The first was at the trail head. So they might be thinking of moving the trail head or eliminating that section -- but I don't think anyone can build there since its supposed to be a wildlife/bird refuge. But of course, they can bend those rules pretty harshly at times.

As for calling the authorities -- ever tried to do that? In this case it could be in any one of 3 different cities. Or it could be part of a program at the city, county, state, or even federal level.

Although its marked for bikes, its the only access for pedestrians -- especially bird-watchers. Some bw's come and set-up large-sized cameras on tripods along the road.

The full 10 mile strip is very popular with cyclists, and possibly one of the most beautiful BPs in the county. But in terms of commuting, it doesn't really connect that much.

EDIT: For the helicopter conspiracy theorists, here's a photo taken from almost the same location.

They do this all the time around here. In the last few months I've seen perhaps 5 or 6 of these on my commute. The department of transport uses them to measure usage of multi-use paths, as there have been some roadworks and improvements lately.

I'm hoping for extra lighting, as only part of the bike path has street lamps. The rest of the way I have to rely on lights from adjacent roads or my headlamp.

does it have a phone line or anything similar attached?
unplug it, wait for the repair man, ask him whats up

There were actually two sets of counters, one on each side of a segment. The first was at the trail head. So they might be thinking of moving the trail head or eliminating that section -- but I don't think anyone can build there since its supposed to be a wildlife/bird refuge. But of course, they can bend those rules pretty harshly at times.

As for calling the authorities -- ever tried to do that? In this case it could be in any one of 3 different cities. Or it could be part of a program at the city, county, state, or even federal level.

Although its marked for bikes, its the only access for pedestrians -- especially bird-watchers. Some bw's come and set-up large-sized cameras on tripods along the road.

The full 10 mile strip is very popular with cyclists, and possibly one of the most beautiful BPs in the county. But in terms of commuting, it doesn't really connect that much.

EDIT: For the helicopter conspiracy theorists, here's a photo taken from almost the same location.

So basically it is in a park and it will stay a park. It is clear they are measuring usage. there are many raeasons they might want to do that.

1) Deciding is usage is high enough to warrent improvements of stepped up maintenence.

2) Deciding if usage is high enough for a ranger to ba assigned to the area. Variant. Just deciding when the usage is highest to have staff during that time period

3) Seeing if usage is so high that the trail should be closed because it is disturbing the wildlife intent. Variations: Perhaps this would only be a concern during mating season or they are looking for the lowest use area to close to provide a people free area but they want to start with a low use area. (These are all pretty doubtful)

4) They want to see when use tails off and when it starts because they want to close the trail at night to prevent a crime problem.

I'm sure there are more. Few of them are bad for cyclists. Figure out where the nearest park ranger is I would think they would know or at least know who to ask.

EDIT: For the helicopter conspiracy theorists, here's a photo taken from almost the same location.
Bah! You are seeing only what THEY want you to see. I enclose pictures of the invisible helicopters that are waiting to pounce on sniveling gutter bunnies and other cycling low life that my super dooper conspiracy snooper CaptainWizard Camera took right in YOUR neighborhood.

Wrapping the inside of your bicycle helmet with aluminum foil will make those worries go away. Also eliminates the invisible black helicopters from monitoring your bicycling movements.


EDIT: For the helicopter conspiracy theorists, here's a photo taken from almost the same location.

People! They did away with the black helicopters in the late 90s. It's all done with satellites these days. Sheesh! You have to make sure you use the heavy-duty foil because their mind rays go straight through the regular stuff. I thought everyone knew this. :rolleyes:

People! They did away with the black helicopters in the late 90s. It's all done with satellites these days. Sheesh! You have to make sure you use the heavy-duty foil because their mind rays go straight through the regular stuff. I thought everyone knew this. :rolleyes:
Hah! That's only what THEY want you to believe. I have the best evidence available. You don't know Haliburton is behind the international conspiracy to sell heavy duty foil? No? You can't prove I'm wrong? Hah! Then that proves my point.

I can't tell by the photo whether or not you are approaching an intersection. Look on the roadway to see if counters are also installed there. If so, they might be considering a light or something to regulate the intersection and want to include bike traffic in their counts.

EDIT: For the helicopter conspiracy theorists, here's a photo taken from almost the same location.
Woah, is that helicopter carrying what I think he's carrying? Set that cargo ablaze and breathe deep everyone. This one's on the government!

People! They did away with the black helicopters in the late 90s. It's all done with satellites these days. Sheesh! You have to make sure you use the heavy-duty foil because their mind rays go straight through the regular stuff. I thought everyone knew this. :rolleyes:

Satellites did not give enough detail in some areas... so small handheld unmanned flying vehicles (UAV) are now being used. You probably have not even noticed them. You just thought it was a bird.

http://www.edwards.af.mil/articles98/docs_html/splash/may98/cover/images/microflyer.jpg

Here is another UAV, just to give you some more perspective...


http://www.arcent.army.mil/news/archive/2005_news/february/images/small_uav/1_full.jpg

This image is old BTW... Feb 2005. Think about that the next time you are worried about black helicopters and foil in the helmet. :eek:

Here is another UAV, just to give you some more perspective...


http://www.arcent.army.mil/news/archive/2005_news/february/images/small_uav/1_full.jpg

This image is old BTW... Feb 2005. Think about that the next time you are worried about black helicopters and foil in the helmet. :eek:

This photo is obviously a fake. If it were real, the UAV would be black, and the trucks in the background would be black SUVs with clusters of antennae. Note, however: the soldier on the left has a hood on, which is there to hold the heavy-duty foil closer to her head. Note also that none of the faces of the people are visible - the man in the foreground's hat conceals his face and the others are out of focus (but that wasn't enough for the person on the right - he's wearing sunglasses even though the sun is not out). I don't know what any of this means, but it's obviously a conspiracy of some sort.

Woah, is that helicopter carrying what I think he's carrying? Set that cargo ablaze and breathe deep everyone. This one's on the government!Yes. It was even more astounding when it happened -- which is when I decided to go back to 35mm film. Lost too many good shots. Those guys were up there for what I estimate was an hour or more. While I was shooting, the helicopter suddenly took off and did a 2 mile circle over the bay. I imagine someone here could estimate how much fuel this took. A couple thousand dollars worth?

The following week, helicopters were flying over with other weird stuff. My daughter pointed out the helicopters missing their rear bay trailing long cords (hey! what happened to the guys?) and here's a shot in which they appear to be carrying a bed frame. Maybe the commander was moving?

This photo is obviously a fake.

Yeah, obviously... did you happen to notice the URL of the photo...

http://www.arcent.army.mil/news/archive/2005_news/february/images/small_uav/1_full.jpg

No doubt this is staged... to keep you from realizing the real darn UAVs are a lot smaller... :eek:

Yeah, obviously... did you happen to notice the URL of the photo...

http://www.arcent.army.mil/news/archive/2005_news/february/images/small_uav/1_full.jpg

No doubt this is staged... to keep you from realizing the real darn UAVs are a lot smaller... :eek:

And some much much bigger.

And some much much bigger.

And the big ones can shoot... :eek:

Woah, is that helicopter carrying what I think he's carrying? Set that cargo ablaze and breathe deep everyone. This one's on the government!

Looks like he's toting some Marines to me...you want to snort burning jarheads? Maybe I should rethink my schoolboy crush on you...:eek:

A bed frame? Bummer. I thought it was pot.

Speaking of pots. I prefer to wear a pot on my head. Much stronger than foil and no helmet needed.

Here is another UAV, just to give you some more perspective...


http://www.arcent.army.mil/news/archive/2005_news/february/images/small_uav/1_full.jpg

This image is old BTW... Feb 2005. Think about that the next time you are worried about black helicopters and foil in the helmet. :eek:


Seen that little uav pretty damn cool when you see it upclose. They let me pick it up its insanly light weight. BTW they are not just used for spy like applications they can attach pretty much any small sensor pack including weather related instraments.

As for the counters they have those here at my park as well. Get use to the things its gona be there for a while. One in the park here was there last year and is still there. Its likly going to be a perm fixture there now. From what the rangers tell me its their way of finding out when the park has the highest number of people. This way they can have more rangers on duty at those times and send to other parks during times when theres fewer people in the park.

Bike paths etc are ran by your local metro parks so this is most probably the case there as well.

Woah, is that helicopter carrying what I think he's carrying? Set that cargo ablaze and breathe deep everyone. This one's on the government!

I think he's talking about The Strand in Coronado, and those are probably Navy SEALs training.

And some much much bigger.
Much Bigger; faster and stealthier too; especially while doing the Powerweave. Good for keeping an eye on the cycling heathen on the Satanic bike paths.

Click to enlarge:
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/6338/stealth4ow.th.jpg (http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stealth4ow.jpg)

Wow, I had no idea I was being monitored while riding the ATT today. I plan on wrapping my helmet with aluminum foil (heavy duty of course) as soon as possible, but I have one question. Do I wrap the inside or outside of the helmet?
Also, Can I use my secret decoder ring to repel the death rays from the UAVs?

Wow, I had no idea I was being monitored while riding the ATT today. I plan on wrapping my helmet with aluminum foil (heavy duty of course) as soon as possible, but I have one question. Do I wrap the inside or outside of the helmet?
Also, Can I use my secret decoder ring to repel the death rays from the UAVs?
No. The only Defense from the Death Dealing Bike Lane Conspirators is lining the inside of your head with the words from the EC™ Good Book.

Repeat after me, Buy the Book, Buy the Book, Buy the Book!

I will buy the book, I will buy the book, I will buy the book with my credit card, my wife has the credit card, I can't buy the book, I can't buy the book, I can't buy the book.

I will buy the book, I will buy the book, I will buy the book with my credit card, my wife has the credit card, I can't buy the book, I can't buy the book, I can't buy the book.
Steal the book, steal the book, steal the book! Your life depends on it. Your wife's credit card payments depend on it. Steal the book!

I hate to say it but it could be to get a count of how many actually use the trail because someone probably wants to tear it out in favor of some other kind of useless development.

The LAB's Action Plan for a Bicycling Friendly Community calls for cities adopting the Action Plan to set goals for some percentage of trips to be by bike. If you have a goal, you need a way to measure. This is one way to do that.

Other measuremet tools include surveys and interns with click counters.

First have a close look at the box the tubes are attached to. I'll bet it has a lable, serial number, and a phone number on it. At least it can tell you who built it. Call them and ask who bought the one with that SN on it. The county assessors office can tell you what agency owns that exact piece of trail. Then go straight to the engineers involved and ask them what is going on. The front office people won't know.