2014 Fishers Trail Count

Transcription

1 2014 Fishers Trail Count July 2014

2 Table of Contents Introduction...1 Trail Count Locations...3 Ellipse Parkway at Holland Drive...4 Lantern Road at Sunblest Boulevard th Street at Cumberland Road th Street...7 Nickel Plate Trail th Street near Hague Road...9 Olio Road at 126th Street...10 Extrapolation Data...11 Conclusion...12 Appendices...13 Appendix A...14 Appendix B...15 Appendix C...16 Appendix D...17 Appendix E...18 Appendix F...19

3 Introduction Context Fishers has an extensive pedestrian network which consists of over 140 miles of trails. These amenities are highly valued within the community. The trails enhance property values, offer recreational opportunities for healthy living and create active transportation options for residents, commuters, and visitors alike. This network has become an integral component of Fishers neighborhoods, connecting people to key destinations and making regional connections to adjacent communities. In 2014, a municipal budget of $300,000 was allocated for trail projects. This budget was used for trail design, development and construction. An estimated $200,000 of additional funds was also invested in the trail system from other sources, such as municipal bonds. This represents an annual investment of approximately $500,000 in Fishers trail system. This budget is administered by the Engineering Department. Maintenance of the existing trails is carried out by the Public Works Department. No specific budget allocation is dedicated to trail maintenance at this point in time. As the trail system grows and ages, the cost of maintaining a quality trail system will become a more significant issue. There is no specific budget assigned to the provision of infrastructure for Fishers cycling network at this point in time. In 2014, there were investments of over $50,000 in the following projects which enhanced the community s cycling infrastructure and created a plan to guide future investments. The completion of the Fishers Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which provides a long term vision and policy framework for active transportation in Fishers. The construction of Pedal n Park bike racks for use at special events at the Amphitheater. The placement of sharrows and Share the Road signage along some key arterials. The initiation of a bike share pilot project at Launch Fishers. Rationale for Trail Counts The City wanted to complete trail counts to establish a database that recorded the actual use of the trails at specific points in time. The trail counts locations were selected based on sites where investments had already been made or where future investments were to be targeted. The primary goal was to provide benchmark data to inform future investment decisions. The trail counts will also serve the following purposes: They provide support for state and federal grant applications which may enhance and expand the community s trail network. They enable staff to assess how the trails are currently being used. The counts will allow us to monitor the use of trails over time and identify changes in that use. The counts enable strategic municipal capital improvement planning for trails and bicycle infrastructure. Logistics Counts were completed at seven sites throughout the 1

4 community. The counts were conducted on Tuesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 17th for four two-hour intervals each day. Shifts were as follows: 7:00-9:00 am, 12:00-2:00 pm, 3:00-5:00 pm, and 6:00-8:00 pm. City staff and a variety of volunteers were used to conduct the counts. An instruction sheet provided an overview of the information needed to complete the actual counts. A copy of that sheet is provided in Appendix A. An aerial photo for each location showed the counters exactly where to sit and what to count. The screenline which is the imaginary line they used as their point of reference. Any bike or pedestrian who crossed that line, in either direction, was to be counted. All those conducting the trail counts wore a t-shirt specifically designed for the project. This provided a quick visual identifier for those passing by that the person sitting along the trail was officially part of the trail count team. People are naturally inquisitive and trail counters are very conspicuous along the trails. The shirts were important identifiers that reassured everyone the counters were working for Fishers in an official capacity. The counts were recorded on a form designed for the trail count. A copy of that form can be found in Appendix B. Figure 1 - This segment of the Nickel Plate Trail in Heritage Meadows was included in the trail count. The weather was unseasonably cool but mostly sunny both days. The cooler weather in the mornings and later evenings may have reduced trail use to some degree. The trail counts recorded four time intervals at seven sites for two days. In total, fifty-six shifts of trail counts were completed and the data collected has been recorded in the context of Fishers 2014 Trail Count summary as follows. 2

5 Trail Count Locations Figure 2 - Bicyclists enjoy the trails at Brooks School Park. 3

6 Ellipse Pkwy. at Holland Dr. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 22 7:00-8 am 21 8:00-9 am 47 8:00-9 am 21 Noon-1 pm 19 Noon-1 pm 17 1:00-2 pm 30 1:00-2 pm 21 3:00-4 pm 35 3:00-4 pm 15 4:00-5 pm 29 4:00-5 pm 24 6:00-7 pm 85 6:00-7 pm 62 7:00-8 pm 105 7:00-8 pm 81 Total daily users 372 Total daily users 262 Total users 634 The trails at Ellipse and Holland recorded the highest morning users in comparison to the other count locations; the number of users held steady throughout the daytime, and experienced the highest number of users in the 7:00-8:00 pm hour. This spike was due to the volume of users who participated in athletic practices at Holland Park. These trail were the most-traveled of the count locations. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 3% 22% 26% 49% Figure 3 - The trail count location and screenline at the intersection of Ellipse Pkwy. and Holland Dr. near Holland Memorial Park. 4

7 Lantern Rd. at Sunblest Blvd. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 5 7:00-8 am 6 8:00-9 am 10 8:00-9 am 22 Noon-1 pm 6 Noon-1 pm 12 1:00-2 pm 19 1:00-2 pm 11 3:00-4 pm 18 3:00-4 pm 20 4:00-5 pm 26 4:00-5 pm 15 6:00-7 pm 76 6:00-7 pm 43 7:00-8 pm 153 7:00-8 pm 46 Total daily users 313 Total daily users 175 Total users 488 The trail at Lantern and Sunblest had few users in the morning, spiking in the 8:00-9:00 am hour. Use decreased at the noon hour and remained somewhat stable through the afternoon hours. Use increased markedly in the hours between 6:00-8:00 pm. Evening numbers were higher on Tuesday night as many people chose to walk to the concert at the Amphitheater. This was the second-most-used trail of the count locations. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 10% 10% 33% 47% Figure 4 - The trail count location and screenline at the intersection of Lantern Rd. and Sunblest Blvd. 5

8 126th St. at Cumberland Rd. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 3 7:00-8 am 2 8:00-9 am 2 8:00-9 am 4 Noon-1 pm 6 Noon-1 pm 5 1:00-2 pm 4 1:00-2 pm 6 3:00-4 pm 7 3:00-4 pm 6 4:00-5 pm 8 4:00-5 pm 4 6:00-7 pm 21 6:00-7 pm 26 7:00-8 pm 8 7:00-8 pm 13 Total daily users 59 Total daily users 66 Total users 125 These trails were the second-least-used of the count locations. Usage was very minimal in the morning and increased slightly throughout the day. It was quite low; however, with still less than ten users an hour. The trail was well-used in the 6:00-8:00 pm hours. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 0% 18% 19% 63% Figure 5 - The trail count location and screenline at the intersection of 126th St. and Cumberland Rd. 6

9 116th St. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 8 7:00-8 am 12 8:00-9 am 9 8:00-9 am 5 Noon-1 pm 17 Noon-1 pm 5 1:00-2 pm 14 1:00-2 pm 5 3:00-4 pm 19 3:00-4 pm 14 4:00-5 pm 13 4:00-5 pm 10 6:00-7 pm 57 6:00-7 pm 12 7:00-8 pm 45 7:00-8 pm 38 Total daily users 182 Total daily users 175 Total users 283 This location saw an moderate number of users as compared with the other count locations. The numbers were relatively stable throughout the day, spiking in the 6:00-8 pm hours. There was a significant increase in use on Tuesday, as many people chose to walk or cycle to the Ampitheater for a concert. 116th St. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 11% 5% 40% 44% Figure 6 - The trail count location and screenline along 116th St., between Regency Dr. and Fishers Pointe Blvd. 7

10 Nickel Plate Trail Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 10 7:00-8 am 11 8:00-9 am 9 8:00-9 am 1 Noon-1 pm 18 Noon-1 pm 14 1:00-2 pm 5 1:00-2 pm 4 3:00-4 pm 19 3:00-4 pm 11 4:00-5 pm 6 4:00-5 pm 16 6:00-7 pm 17 6:00-7 pm 21 7:00-8 pm 32 7:00-8 pm 26 Total daily users 116 Total daily users 104 Total users 220 There was no discernable pattern to the trail use at this location. Use did increase in the evening shift from 6:00-8:00 pm. Given the residential setting of thistrail count, it appeared that many pedestrians and cyclists used thetrail for exercising and/or family recreation in the evening. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other Other 0% Runners 19% Bicyclists 27% Walkers 54% Figure 7 - The trail count location and screenline on the Nickel Plate Trail (along Fishers Pointe Blvd.) in the Heritage Meadows subdivision. 8

11 106th St. near Hague Rd. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 3 7:00-8 am 5 8:00-9 am 8 8:00-9 am 6 Noon-1 pm 4 Noon-1 pm 5 1:00-2 pm 0 1:00-2 pm 6 3:00-4 pm 10 3:00-4 pm 1 4:00-5 pm 6 4:00-5 pm 0 6:00-7 pm 20 6:00-7 pm 11 7:00-8 pm 12 7:00-8 pm 24 Total daily users 63 Total daily users 58 Total users 121 This location saw the least number of trail users. The 8:00-9:00 am shift was the busiest of the morning hours and included a few bicycle commuters. The afternoon shift had the lowest volume of use. There was an increase in use. during the 6:00-8:00 pm shift. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 0% 29% 40% 31% Figure 8 - The trail count location and screenline along 106th St., west of Hague Road adjacent to Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. 9

12 Olio Rd. at 126th St. Tuesday, July 15th Users per hour Thursday, July 17th Users per hour 7:00-8 am 8 7:00-8 am 7 8:00-9 am 7 8:00-9 am 11 Noon-1 pm 8 Noon-1 pm 6 1:00-2 pm 4 1:00-2 pm 15 3:00-4 pm 3 3:00-4 pm 10 4:00-5 pm 4 4:00-5 pm 5 6:00-7 pm 17 6:00-7 pm 12 7:00-8 pm 23 7:00-8 pm 15 Total daily users 102 Total daily users 81 Total users 183 This site had a stable number of trail users throughout the day with a noticeable increase between the hours of 6:00-8:00 pm. The trail likely experiences much heavier use when school is in session, given its proximity to the high school. Bicyclists Walkers Runners Other 1% 23% 17% 59% Figure 9 - The trail count location and screenline at the intersection with Olio Rd. and 126th St. (Hamilton Southeastern High School is in the bottom right corner). 10

13 Extrapolation Data Equations used to extrapolate the trail count data were provided by the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project (NPBD), a joint effort of Alta Planning and Design and the Institute of Transportation Engineers Pedestrian and Bicycle Council. To obtain daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly trail use estimates for each count location, a series of multiplier values were employed with each trail location s count numbers. It is encouraged that at least two separate trail counts per location be recorded to insure accurate results, though three counts are preferable. Two of these days should fall between Tuesday and Thursday, with the third being on either a Saturday or Sunday during the same week. Counts on or over holidays should be avoided. Step 1 A factor of 1.05 was multiplied by a two hour period from each trail count location. For Fishers, the average daily count from Tuesday and Thursday were figured and used for this equation. The adjustment factor is included to reflect the bicyclists and pedestrians who used the trails between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am (or five percent of the average daily total). Adjustment factors estimate the total daily volume at a given point along a trail. The adjustment factors for each trail count location can be found in Table 1: Extrapolation Data (Appendix C). Step 2 To find the estimated average weekday trail use, refer to the NPBD s Table 2: Hourly Adjustment Factors (Appendix D). Seven percent (under the Path and Weekday columns, and the 1500 and 1600 rows [3:00 pm and 4:00 pm]) was used for this calculation. The previous answer to Step 1 should be divided by.07, yielding the estimated average weekday volume for trail usage. Step 3 The calculations in this step yield the estimated average weekly volumes, or the estimated number of trail users on a weekly basis. Referring to the NPBD s Table 3: Daily Adjustment Factors (Appendix E), choose the adjustment factor corresponding to the day of the trail count. Because Fishers trail counts took place on a Tuesday (13 percent) and a Thursday (12 percent), the adjustment factors were averaged for a daily adjustment factor of 12.5 percent. The previous answer from Step 2 should be divided by.125, yielding the estimated average weekly volume for trail usage. Step 4 The calculation in this step yields the estimated average monthly volume, or the estimated number of trail users on a monthly basis. The previous answer to Step 3 should be multiplied by 4.33 (the average number of weeks per month). Step 5 The calculation in this step yields the estimated average annual volume, or estimated number of trail users on a yearly basis. Refer to the NPBD s Table 4: Monthly Adjustment Factors by Climate Area (Appendix F). Because trail counts were conducted during July in a moderate climate, the adjustment factor is 12 percent. The previous answer from Step 4 should be divided by.12, yielding the estimated average monthly volume for trail usage. All seven trail count locations were analyzed and extrapolated using these steps to evaluate each location s estimated average use. The same standard was used to calculate Fishers first systemwide estimate on usage, which can also be seen in Table 1: Extrapolation Data (Appendix C). 11

14 Conclusion Modifications to the Count The trail count project was a great success. Every volunteer completed their shift and turned in their data so the database is complete. As with any project, there were some things that could be modified that may enhance future counts. Future Trail Counts It is anticipated that the trail count will be done annually each July allowing Fishers to maintain documentation on the use of the trails. This data can be utilized to support grant applications, to assess changes in trail use and to optimize capital improvement investments. 1. There were a couple of sites where trail counts were low given the specific screenline selected. Counters noted if the count had been recording trail use in a different direction at these locations the volume of use would have been significantly higher. It is therefore recommended that the following location modifications should be made for future counts. At Lantern Road and Sunblest Boulevard, allow the count to include the northwest corner rather than the southwest corner. This will show a more accurate number of the users that turn west onto Sunblest towards Holland Park. At the 126th Street and Olio Road the count should be recorded from the northwest corner recording the east/ west flow of trail use. At 106th Street (Ritchey Woods), the screenline should be moved to the 106th Street/Hague Road intersection to record an accurate number of commuters that travel between Fishers and Indianapolis via Hague. 2. Ideally, a third day could be added to the trail count project in This would enable data collection on a Saturday which would provide insight into how trails are used on weekends. Figure 10 - Walkers along the Nickel Plate Trail in the Heritage Meadows neighborhood. 3. One person should be assigned to manage the project logistics only. Coordinating the volunteers and ensuring everything is in place at each site for each shift requires that person to be available to move around from site to site throughout the day. 12

15 Appendices Figure 11 - Walkers using the trail along Lantern Rd. near Sunblest Blvd. 13

16 Appendix A Instructions for Trail Count Volunteers THANK YOU Thank you for volunteering to help Fishers complete its first trail count project. The data you collect will assist Fishers in applying for state and federal grants to enrich our pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. It will also assist the Town in assessing priorities for future trail investments. GOAL To record the total volume and type of all traffic that passes by on the trail you are monitoring. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? Arrive at the assigned location 10 minutes prior to your allocated time slot. Please wear the trail count shirt which identifies you are part of the official trail count team. There will be a chair, clip board, count forms and a pen available for you. Refer to the aerial photo for the specific spot you are counting. Sit at the designated spot. Determine where the screen line is located (the imaginary line that you will use as your reference point if someone crosses the line, you count them!) Once the 2 hour interval starts, please record the information requested on the form. Don t forget to add the location & the date. Please circle the time slot you are collecting data for. Essentially you are recording how many people go by on the trail, whether they are walking/ cycling/ skateboarding or whatever. Also record any bicyclists that go by on the road. Please do a summary for each hour. If you have any additional comments please provide these on the back of the form. Everyone is asked to bring the forms to the Community Development Department, 2 nd Floor Town Hall, One Municipal Drive when their shift is complete. The building is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. If you prefer you can scan it and it to harrisons@fishers.in.us or if you have a Smartphone and wish to send in a photo of the form that works too! QUESTIONS If you have any questions while you are out in the field, please call the Fishers Community Development Department at for assistance or call Sue Harrison at If you have any questions in the interim, please contact the Fishers Community Development Department at WHAT TO BRING Bring the instruction sheet and aerial map. A cold drink. A camera or phone if you want to send us some photos of people enjoying the trails! 14

17 Appendix B Fishers Trail Count Form * If other please write at the bottom of the page Location: Date: designating what you saw. Collector Name: Time: 7:00-9:00 12 Noon-2:00 3:00-5:00 6:00-8:00 Collector Weather Conditions: First Bicycle (with helmet) Bicycle (w/o helmet) Walker Runner Skater Illegal Vehicle Person with Disability Other Hour On Road On Trail On Road On Trail On Road On Trail On Road On Trail Total: Second Bicycle (with helmet) Bicycle (w/o helmet) Walker Runner Skater Illegal Vehicle Person With Disability Other Hour On Road On Trail On Road On Trail On Road On Trail On Road On Trail Total: 15

18 Appendix C Table 1: Extrapolation Data* Trail Count Location Ellipse Pkwy. + Holland Dr. Lantern Rd. + Sunblest Blvd. 126th St. + Cumberland Rd. 116th St. Nickel Plate Trail 106th St. (Ritchey Woods) Olio Rd th St. Systemwide Adjustment Factor (per hr.) Avg. Weekday Volume (per day) Avg. Weekly Volume (per wk.) Avg. Monthly Volume (per mo.) Avg. Annual Volume (per yr.) n/a ,245 3,179 2, ,381 1, ,961 13,767 10,654 3,118 5,978 5,716 1,559 2,341 43, ,725 88,785 25,980 49,815 47,630 12,990 19, ,514 *Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number. 16

19 Appendix D Table 2: 17

20 Appendix E Table 3: 18

21 Appendix F Table 4: 19