Monitoring the usage of EuroVelo with qualitative and quantitative data: methodological guidance
Vélo & Territoires, the French National EuroVelo Coordination Centre, has developed the ÉVA-VÉLO methodology and recommendation for automatic bicycle counting activities in the framework of the AtlanticOnBike project. Published in 2020, the methodology is based on Vélo & Territoires’ longstanding experience in this field, which started in 2006 with the transnational evaluation of the EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic- Black Sea route. ECF has accompanied this process throughout the years, validated the methodology, and recommends its use throughout Europe.
Below you can find guidance documents and several templates which Vélo & Territoires has kindly provided:
- ÉVA-VÉLO method guide ‘National method for assessing the impact of cycle routes’
- Support documents and templates for ÉVA-VÉLO
- Bicycle Counting: guide to clean up the data
- Data sheet: how to choose the location for bicycle counters?
- Technical sheet: what are the constraints for installing an automatic cyclist computer?
- Methodological guide for the segmentation of cycle routes
ECF recommends including monitoring in EuroVelo Development Strategies in general: EuroVelo Development Guide.
Why is it relevant to monitor and evaluate the usage and impact of a cycle route or a network?
- Measuring ridership: You will know how well and when your cycling infrastructure is used, and which effects on usage your efforts to improve it will have;
- Analysing economic impact: You will be able to identify the return on investment of your cycle tourism measures. This dimension is essential for decision-makers to guide public investment, but it also assists private operators in deciding on the size of their investments and calculating possible returns, and helps to encourage the establishment of new operators.
- Knowing your users and/or customers: You will know the profiles of the people who are cycling on your route or network, and those who don’t. This will help you to target your marketing and communications strategies much more precisely and develop adequate services.
- Listening to the needs of users: You will have valuable information about the levels of user satisfaction, which will enable you to continuously improve your offer in a way that corresponds to customers’ needs.