Bicycle Count Data December 28 Published By: San Luis Obispo Public Works Department 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 9341 Telephone (85) 781 719; FAX (85) 781 7198 www.slocity.org
Introduction The City s General Plan Circulation Element encourages San Luis Obispo residents to reduce their use of private motor vehicles and increase their use of bicycles, carpools, buses, and walking. The City has instituted a variety of programs to promote this shift in transportation modes. To determine the effect of these programs, the use of various transportation types is monitored every two years. This report presents one component of the monitoring program. Beginning in 1996, the City of San Luis Obispo instituted a program to count bicycle traffic at various street intersections throughout the community. This initial study involved 14 stations across the city, and counted a total of 1,452 bicyclists. This work has been continued every two years since, and is made possible by the voluntary efforts of students from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo and from members of the City s Bicycle Advisory Committee. Bicycle counts are taken in the middle of the week and collected at fifteen minute intervals for two hours in the afternoon during the month of October. This time is chosen because the goal of the counts is to measure the amount of bicycle commuters, as well as recreational riders. Bicycle commuters represent a daily shift in automobile vehicle use, and utilize bicycling facilities on a regular basis. However, this time period is only a small snapshot of overall bicycle usage throughout the City. Since Cal Poly University is a popular bicycling destination, all streets entering the campus are counted. At other stations, at least one leg of the intersection is part of the City s official bikeway network (The official bikeway network is identified in the San Luis Obispo s Bicycle Transportation Plan). For analysis purposes, these two types of stations are compared further in the report. See Figure 8 on page 11 for a map of locations where counts were performed. Location summaries for each station are included at the end of this report. It is important to note that these counts are subject to substantial variation from year to year. This data can be considered a snapshot of the total ridership of the City. There may be factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, gas prices, and localized special events that can influence the volume of bicycle traffic on any given day at a particular count station, or throughout the City. For each count year, these statistics are recorded so that comparisons may be made between each year. Several charts show these comparisons. In 28, the City began to collect data regarding helmet usage and sidewalk usage at each bicycle station. This data is included in the report as a baseline measure for future counts. For more information about San Luis Obispo s transportation program, contact the San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, Transportation Division, at (85) 781 719. 2
Summary of 28 Bicycle Counts Date: Tuesday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 8, 28 Time: 3:45pm 5:45pm Weather Conditions: Sunny, Clear, High Temperatures o Average Temperature: 85 F (High temperature of 1 tied record on October 7 th ) City Population: 44,697 (28) Cal Poly Population: o 19,777 students (Fall 27) o 2,955 Faculty, staff and employees (Fall 27) Total Count Locations: 27 Total Bicycles Counted: 3,375 Maximum Volume: California Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard: 496 Minimum Volume: Railroad track at Mill Street overcrossing: 3 Unique circumstances or differences from 26 count conditions: o Cal Poly Area Stadium construction completed. California Blvd. between Campus and Highland open to traffic. Railroad Safety Trail open on Cal Poly property. Phase I of the Poly Canyon Village housing complex open in September. Complex houses approx. 15 2 nd year students. Phase II will be occupied in September of 29. The total estimated occupancy is 2,7 students. Two residential parking structures will be constructed, providing 1,9 spaces to residents only. o City of San Luis Obispo Cal Trans performing intermittent sidewalk improvements and pavement refreshing on Hwy. 227 and Hwy. 1. Bicycle detour signs posted. On Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard, stop signs were reversed at Buchon, Islay, Leff and Church Streets. Bicycle stencils painted on roadway. Bicycle only signal phase installed at Santa Barbara & Upham intersection. Straight through bicycle channel installed in the eastbound direction of the Santa Rosa and Foothill intersection. Orcutt Rd. widened between McMillan Street and Laurel Lane. Pedestrian crossing realigned. Continued construction in area for Laurel Creek Townhomes project. No trains were parked on the train tracks during the times the counts were performed. Cal Poly Parking fees (28) o $1.5 per hour for metered parking, $5. per day general pass, and $11 per quarter (11 weeks) general permit. On October 7, the average price of gas in San Luis Obispo was $3.53/gallon. o California average for regular unleaded was $3.6/gallon. o These gas prices are approximately 72% higher than during the last count in 26. 3
Analysis of Count Data The bicycle count information was collected for 15 minute intervals from 3:45pm to 5:45pm on Tuesday, October 7 th and Wednesday, 8 th, 28. Table 1 lists the total count results by location. Location summaries at the end of this report describe the individual count locations and turning movements associated with each location. Several changes to count locations have been made since the study s inception, including the addition and deletion of locations. For this year, three additional count locations were added: Jefferey and Cerro Romauldo (#25), BeeBee and South (#26), and Oceanaire and Los Osos Valley Road (#27). These locations were identified to analyze bicycle usage on Bike Plan identified routes through the Foothill, South Street and Laguna Lake neighborhoods. The station at Mill and the UPRR tracks (#24) was expanded to include bicyclists traveling east and west on Mill Street at the railroad overpass in addition to cyclists riding along the railroad tracks below. For the 2 count, location #1 at Foothill and Los Osos Valley Road was discontinued. This location is not within the City Limits and bicycles at this location would be counted at location #14, Madonna and Los Osos Valley Road or location #21, Foothill Boulevard and Tassajara Drive. Counts at Morro and Leff Street began in 24 as Location #1 to document use of the Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard. Table 1 - Total Bicycle Count Results by Current Year s Highest Volume * Counts at the Mill and Railroad location counted bicycles on Mill Street for the first time in 28. ** Stations 25, 26 and 27 are new for 28. 4
Figure 1 -Total bicycle volume is increasing over a twelve-year time period. See Table 2 on Page 13 for specific data. Figure 2 -Cal Poly average volumes are consistently greater than those of City stations. 5
As new bicycle facilities are developed or improved, the counts at existing locations may vary as bicyclists change their routes to make better use of these facilities. As the population changes, the City may gain new bicyclists. External influences, such as gas prices or weather, may also change ridership trends. One goal of this count program is to develop a trend line to measure how bicycle usage on the City's major transportation corridors is changing over time. Because of the types of fluctuations described above, it is necessary to have several data points for each location to accurately determine a trend. Five or more data points will be collected before a positive or negative trend in bicycle usage is determined at a particular location. The following charts help to show trends for bicycle ridership in the City and their relationship to other factors, such as weather, gas prices, and population. Figure 3 No direct correlation between the weather and count volumes can be established. 6
California Average Gas Prices for the First Week in October Dollars (unadjusted) $4. $3.5 $3. $2.5 $2. $1.5 $1. $.5 $. $1.26 1/1/96 $1.43 1/1/97 $1.15 $1.38 $1.83 $1.58 $1.55 $1.85 $2.2 $2.96 $2.6 $3. $3.6 1/1/ 98 1/1/99 1/1/ 1/1/ 1 1/1/2 1/1/3 1/1/4 1/1/ 5 1/1/6 1/1/7 1/1/8 Figure 4 Gas prices have been increasing regularly since 1996. Figure 5 A direct correlation between the rise in gas prices and increased count volumes can be established. 7
Data was collected for the first time in 28 on bicycle helmet usage and sidewalk riding for each location. In particular, the sidewalk riding information is useful to identify locations where bicyclists may not feel safe riding in the roadway. No conclusions are made based on this base year data. Figure 6 Observed helmet usage per location as a percentage of the total location volume. Figure 7 Observed sidewalk riding per location as a percentage of the total location volume. 8
Conclusions The total count of bicycles has increased for the eighth year in a row. The total count number was 44% above that of 26. Figure 2, on page 5, comparing the average volume at City and Cal Poly locations, further illustrates this upward trend. The three new stations for 28 were not included in comparisons. As with past counts, bicycle volumes around the Cal Poly area to the north east of the city are higher on average. The five Cal Poly stations made up 39% of the total volume in just five out of the 24 stations. All five stations increased by at least 6% and each station counted more than 15 bicycles in the two hour time frame, or an average of 1.25 bicycles per minute passing the station. The California & Foothill station (#1) counted a record 496 bicycles in the two hour count period, an increase of 123 bicycles; this was 33% higher than 26 volumes. The trend for the past six years shows an overall increase at many of the count locations. 22 of the 24 stations increased by at least 2% over 26 numbers. The railroad at Mill Street overpass saw a decrease in riders on the railroad tracks, likely due to increased enforcement of trespassing regulations by Union Pacific Railroad in the past year. Every other station saw an increase in ridership. In addition to the higher counts around the Cal Poly area, several other increases indicate an overall increase in ridership. There was a 21% increase at Station #14 (Madonna & Los Osos Valley Road) 4 more bicycles than the 26 count. Station #13 (the Railroad trail at Del Campo) saw a 1% increase, from 38 to 76 bicycles utilizing the trail. Location #19 (Tank Farm & Broad) saw a 14% increase, from 24 to 49 bicycles. And count location #6 (California & Monterey) saw a 93% increase, from 9 to 174 bicycles in the two hour period. With total bicycle counts up 44% from 26, the highest recorded count location, and an upward trend for average bicycle volumes, the counts for 28 are encouraging for the City s goal to reduce the use of private motor vehicles. This count information will be used by transportation planners and engineers to plan for future bikeway facilities, to evaluate bicycle travel patterns, and to continue to extend the bicycle network for the City of San Luis Obispo. 9
Appendices Figure 8 Station Location Map 11 Figure 9 Volume Intensity Map 12 Table 2 Cal Poly and City Station Volume Comparison Table 13 Figure 1 Map of Existing and Proposed Bikeways 14 Station 1 (California & Foothill) Details 15 Station 2 (Grand & Slack) Details 15 Station 3 (Hathway & Via Carta) Details 16 Station 4 (Highland & Santa Rosa) Details 16 Station 5 (Broad / South / Santa Barbara) Details 17 Station 6 (California & Monterey) Details 17 Station 7 (Chorro & Lincoln) Details 18 Station 8 (Osos & Leff) Details 18 Station 9 (Santa Rosa & Mill) Details 19 Station 1 (Morro & Leff) Details 19 Station 11 (Higuera & Madonna) Details 2 Station 12 (Orcutt & Broad) Details 2 Station 13 (Railroad & Del Campo) Details 21 Station 14 (Madonna & LOVR) Details 21 Station 15 (Johnson & San Luis) Details 22 Station 16 (Hathway & Longview) Details 22 Station 17 (Santa Rosa & Foothill) Details 23 Station 18 (Broad & Marsh) Details 23 Station 19 (Tank Farm & Broad) Details 24 Station 2 (Higuera & High) Details 24 Station 21 (Foothill & Tassajara) Details 25 Station 22 (Johnson & Laurel) Details 25 Station 23 (Jennifer St. Bridge) Details 26 Station 24 (Railroad & Mill) Details 26 Station 25 (Jeffrey & Cerro Romauldo) Details 27 Station 26 (BeeBee & South) Details 27 Station 27 (Oceanaire & LOVR) Details 28 1
Figure 8 Station locations throughout the City. 11
Figure 9 Volume intensity at stations. 12
Table 2 Cal Poly and City Station Volume Comparisons. * Average bicycle volume per hour for two-hour count period is the BPH, bicycles per hour. ** Counts at the Mill and Railroad location counted bicycles on Mill Street for the first time in 28 13 13
14 Figure 1 Map of the existing and proposed bikeways and classification system, from the 27 Bicycle Transportation Plan. 14
#1 California & Foothill 6 5 California & Foothill 4 35 3 4 3 2 1 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 California & Foothill is included in the counts as it is a major entrance to the Cal Poly Campus. This intersection has historically had the highest count volumes out of all stations. The bicycle lanes were changed in late 27 to add through slots in both the EB and SB directions. These are not shown in the aerial photograph. #2 Grand & Slack 25 4 Grand & Slack 35 2 3 15 1 25 2 15 5 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Grand and Slack is included in the counts as it is a major entrance to the Cal Poly Campus. 15
#3 Hathway & Via Carta 2 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 Hathway & Via Carta 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Hathway and Via Carta is included in the counts as it is a major entrance to the Cal Poly Campus. Via Carta is a foot/bicycle traffic only entrance to Cal Poly. #4 Highland & Santa Rosa 25 4 Highland & Santa Rosa 35 2 3 15 1 25 2 15 5 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Highland & Santa Rosa is included in the counts as it is a major entrance to the Cal Poly Campus. Cal Trans is continuing work at this intersection, including adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes. These are not shown in the aerial photograph. 16
#5 Broad / South / Santa Barbara 16 14 Broad & South 4 35 12 3 1 8 6 4 25 2 15 1 2 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The intersection of Broad, South and Santa Barbara is included in the counts because it is a major intersection in the City, connecting the south part of town with the Downtown Core. Cal Trans is continuing work along Highway 227 to upgrade sidewalks and curb ramps, and has periodically closed the bicycle lane. Bicycle detour signs were posted to divert bicycling traffic during count period. #6 California & Monterey 2 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 California & Monterey 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 California and Monterey is included in the counts as it is a major connection between the Downtown Core and the east side of town. Monterey is currently a Class III facility, and California is a Class II facility. 17
#7 Chorro & Lincoln 16 14 Chorro & Lincoln 4 35 12 3 1 8 6 4 25 2 15 1 2 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The intersection of Chorro and Lincoln is included because it serves as a main connector between the Highland/Foothill areas of the City and the Downtown Core. Chorro St. is one of the five connections between the north and south side of the City across Hwy. 11. #8 Osos & Leff 1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Osos & Leff 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The intersection of Osos and Leff is included in the counts because it parallels the Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard. Osos Street traditionally has channeled traffic to and from Broad Street and captures bicycles utilizing the existing section of the railroad trail. As one of the original 1996 count stations, counts were taken at this intersection before the construction of the Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard. Leff Street is identified as a possible bicycle boulevard in the Bike Plan. 18
#9 Santa Rosa & Mill 12 1 Santa Rosa & Mill 4 35 3 8 6 4 2 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Santa Rosa and Mill Street is included in the count locations because it is an entrance to the Downtown Core from the north side of town from Hwy. 1. Mill Street is one of the seven connections between the east and west side of the UPRR tracks. #1 Morro & Leff 8 7 Morro & Leff 4 35 6 3 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The count station at Morro and Leff counts bicycle volumes utilizing the Bill Roalman Bicycle Boulevard. Counts began at this location in 24, after Morro Street was closed at Santa Barbara. Between the 26 and 28 counts, stop signs were reversed at Buchon, Islay, Leff and Church streets, stencils were painted on the roadway identifying the boulevard, and a bicycle only phase was added to the signal at Santa Barbara & Upham. Leff Street is identified as a possible bicycle boulevard in the Bike Plan. 19
#11 Higuera & Madonna 18 16 Higuera & Madonna 4 35 14 3 12 1 8 6 4 25 2 15 1 2 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Madonna is a principle connector between the Laguna Village shopping center, Oceanaire Neighborhood, Laguna Middle School and the Downtown Core. This intersection also connects the South Higuera area with the Downtown Core. #12 Orcutt & Broad 9 8 Orcutt & Broad 4 35 7 3 6 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Orcutt and Broad is a major connection between the east and west sides of the City across the UPRR railroad tracks. Ongoing construction of the Laurel Creek Townhomes to the east of this intersection was present during the count period. The first section of the railroad safety trail exits onto Orcutt Road at Laurel Lane. 2
#13 Railroad & Del Campo 8 7 Railroad & Del Campo 4 35 6 3 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The Railroad and Del Campo station counts bicycles traveling along the existing segment of the Railroad Safety Trail between the Jennifer St. Bridge (Station #23) and Orcutt Road. This is a multi use, roadway separated, Class I pathway. #14 Madonna & LOVR 7 6 Madonna & LOVR 4 35 5 4 3 2 3 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Madonna and Los Osos Valley Road is a major arterial intersection in the southwest area of the City. 21
#15 Johnson & San Luis 8 7 Johnson & San Luis 4 35 6 3 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Johnson at San Luis Drive is a major arterial intersection in the southwest area of the City. This intersection is located at an entrance to the Downtown Core, and Johnson Ave. is one of the seven connections between the east and west sides of the City across the UPRR tracks. The City s only public high school is located one block north of this intersection. #16 Hathway & Longview 18 16 Hathway & Longview 4 35 14 3 12 1 8 6 4 25 2 15 1 2 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Hathway and Longview is included in the counts as it is a major entrance to the Cal Poly Campus. Longview turns into a foot/bicycle traffic only entrance to Cal Poly at this intersection. 22
#17 Santa Rosa & Foothill 35 3 Santa Rosa & Foothill 4 35 25 2 15 1 3 25 2 15 1 5 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Santa Rosa & Foothill is included in the counts as it is a major arterial/arterial intersection in the City. This intersection has historically had the second highest count volumes out of all stations. Foothill Blvd. is a major connection to the Cal Poly Campus. The eastbound bicycle lane was changed in late 27 to add a through slot. #18 Broad & Marsh 12 1 Broad & Marsh 4 35 3 8 6 4 2 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Broad and Marsh is included in the count locations because it is an entrance to the Downtown Core from the southwest side of town (Madonna and South Higuera areas) and from the south side of the City via Broad St. 23
#19 Tank Farm & Broad 6 5 Tank Farm & Broad 4 35 3 4 3 2 1 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 Tank Farm and Broad is a major arterial intersection in the City. Tank Farm connects the South Higuera area of the City with the Edna/Islay neighborhood, and areas south of the City. #2 Higuera & High 12 1 Higuera & High 4 35 3 8 6 4 2 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The intersection of Higuera and High Street also includes an intersection with Pismo Street, as shown in the map above. High and Pismo Streets are considered the same westbound approach for count purposes. These three streets are major connections through the Downtown Core and surrounding residential areas. 24
#21 Foothill & Tassajara 9 8 Foothill & Tassajara 4 35 7 3 6 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The Foothill and Tassajara station counts bicycles in the Foothill neighborhood. Foothill Blvd. is a major connection to the Cal Poly Campus. #22 Johnson & Laurel 25 4 Johnson & Laurel 35 2 3 15 1 25 2 15 5 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The Johnson and Laurel intersection connects the Johnson area of town with the Orcutt area of town. This intersection is located in a residential neighborhood. Flora Street, which is parallel to Johnson Ave., is identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan as a possible location for a bicycle boulevard. 25
#23 Jennifer St. Bridge 9 8 Jennifer St. Bridge 4 35 7 3 6 5 4 3 2 25 2 15 1 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The Jennifer Street Bridge is a multi use bridge over the UPRR tracks which connects the Johnson neighborhood with the Downtown Core. The bridge is located at the end of the first section of the Railroad Safety Trail, which extends to Orcutt Rd. Ella Street, which is adjacent to this location, is identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan as a possible location for a bicycle boulevard. #24 Railroad & Mill 12 1 Railroad at Mill Mill at Railroad Bridge 4 35 3 8 6 4 2 25 2 15 1 5 1996 1998 2 22 24 26 28 The count station at Mill and the UPRR overpass was originally chosen to monitor bicycle volumes using only the tracks. This year, the station was expanded to include bicycle volumes crossing the tracks on Mill St. This station was the only location with a reduction of volume when compared with 26 count data. It is trespassing to enter the UPRR right of way. 26
#25 Jeffrey & Cerro Romauldo 4 35 Jeffrey & Cerro Romauldo 4 35 3 3 25 2 15 1 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The station at Jeffrey and Cerro Romauldo is new for 28, and was chosen to monitor bicycle volumes traveling through the Highland neighborhood on Cerro Romauldo. This route is identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan as a possible location for a bicycle boulevard. The current count time period may not capture this location s highest volumes, which are expected to be generated by elementary school children going to/from Bishop s Peak, Teach, and Pacheco schools. This location will continue to be monitored in future counts. #26 BeeBee & South 6 5 BeeBee & South 4 35 3 4 3 2 1 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The station at BeeBee and South Street is new for 28, and was chosen to monitor bicycle volumes traveling through the South Street neighborhood on BeeBee. It was also chosen to help more accurately show the bicycle volumes in the vicinity of the Higuera / South / Madonna intersection. This location will continue to be monitored in future counts. 27
#27 Oceanaire & LOVR 45 4 Oceanaire & LOVR 4 35 35 3 3 25 2 15 1 25 2 15 1 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The station at Oceanaire and Los Osos Valley Road is new for 28, and was chosen to monitor bicycle volumes traveling through the Laguna Lake neighborhood on Oceanaire. This location will continue to be monitored in future counts. 28