The importance of validated data: reliable analysis for better decision-making

Why it’s essential to check and correct data anomalies

At Eco-Counter, we are sure of one thing: field data, captured by a physical counter, is an essential prerequisite for reliable analysis. Unlike other data types, which could be biased or partial, physical counting captures every single user, offering a representative view of reality. However, disruptions (technical, environmental, or conjectural factors) can sometimes affect data collection and cause difficulties in analysis (see our dedicated article on this subject).

For example, in Montreal, a ZELT Evo counter on a bike path recorded an absence of counts for 9 days due to roadworks that diverted the flow of cyclists to an adjacent street. Although favorable weather conditions should have generated around 400 counts per day, no count was recorded. This type of anomaly can distort the analysis if not detected and corrected.

Thanks to Eco-Visio, the data was easily reconstructed, based on an advanced algorithm, including comparative data from neighboring counters. After reconstruction, attendance returned to a daily average of 300 counts, thus adjusting the initial apparent drop.

While it was already possible to reconstruct data manually, or to call on us for help for longer periods, Eco-Visio now includes a fully-integrated functionality that enables anomalies to be detected, communicated to you, and corrected if necessary. This ensures that your decisions are based on reliable and accurate information, starting from when you analyze your data.

Easily measure average annual daily traffic (AADT)

Average annual daily traffic (AADT) is an essential indicator for measuring the average daily use of a facility over an entire year. It is obtained by calculating the average number of bicycle/pedestrian counts on a given section, in all directions, over the course of a day.

Thanks to Eco-Visio, AADT is calculated simply and efficiently. This indicator is crucial for justifying infrastructure investments, as it provides an annualized view of infrastructure usage. It provides a stable baseline from which to monitor changes over time, and to which more precise comparisons can be added, as in the example below.

Measuring the impact of improvements: the importance of before/after analyses and weather

Compare periods by identifying the real factors of change

Comparing ridership before and after infrastructure improvements is crucial to assessing their effectiveness. Eco-Visio now facilitates this comparison by taking into account the specific features of each period (vacations, bank holidays). This gives a precise view of the real effects of modifying a facility.

Example of a year-on-year comparison, with school vacation information

In fact, an increase in visitor numbers can be linked to an infrastructure development, but also to vacations, public holidays, or favorable weather.

In this example, annual average daily traffic is calculated on days with comparable good weather

Weighing weather impacts

Similarly, rain, wind, or cold are often perceived as major obstacles to cycling or walking.

Even if it seems like these modes are more sensitive to weather conditions than motorists, the impacts are actually much less than is generally estimated.

In Lyon, France, President of the Metropolis Bruno Bernard was able to share an analysis of data from September 2024, which revealed that rain only had a moderate impact on cycling. On rainy days, ridership drops by around 10%, which is notable, but remains low.

Impact of rain on bicycle traffic in Lyon (Visual credit: Bruno Bernard)

By using Eco-Visio to analyze traffic and relying on factual count and weather data, local authorities can make the right planning and communication decisions without over- or underestimating the impact of weather.

From validated data to complete analysis: optimizing active transportation infrastructure with Eco-Visio

Validated data, before-and-after analyses, and the combination of AADT and weather are new features already available in Eco-Visio, which we hope will be useful in understanding trends in ridership in your communities.