Did you know that there are a total of 15 permanently installed automatic bicycle counting stations in Stuttgart? First there were these "traffic counters" in Taubenheimstraße, Waiblinger Straße and Böblinger Straße and with the bicycle barometer at König-Karls-Brücke. Then ten new cycle counters were added. And they are here:

  • Tübinger Straße
  • Lautenschlager Straße
  • Inselstraße
  • Kirchheimer Strasse
  • Kremmlerstraße
  • Waldburgstrasse
  • Solitudestrasse
  • Stuttgarter Street
  • Neckartalstrasse
  • Am Kräherwald

Another counting station without a separate information terminal was set up on Samaraweg.

The new columns were funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the "Clean Air" immediate action program. The displays show the current number of cyclists passing by each day and for the current year, as well as the date, time and temperature, according to information from the City of Stuttgart.

How the counting points work

The cyclists are recorded, explains the city of Stuttgart, when they ride over an induction loop embedded in the cycle path. "The loops generate a magnetic field, the change is analyzed and stored as a counting pulse. Many bicycle components are made of metal and therefore change the magnetic field lines when passing over the loop. Baby carriages or electric scooters are therefore not counted."

And you can always view the results of the counting points live here: https://data.eco-counter.com/ParcPublic/?id=607

What the bicycle counting stations are supposed to do

According to the city, the counting stations are set up at strategic points on commuter routes or planned cycle routes in the districts and provide statistical background information on the volume of cycling traffic. "In this way, influences such as weather, vacation periods and annual fluctuations can be analyzed in order to improve the planning of cycling expansion. The counting points are regularly evaluated by the Stuttgart Office for Urban Planning and Housing. At the same time, they are used to promote cycling in Stuttgart. The rising numbers on the real-time terminals motivate people to get on their bikes themselves."

Photo credit: Thomas Niedermüller/City of Stuttgart