Bicycle counters at the entrances of the Hôpitaux Est de Lyon

The site of Hospitals East of Lyon is an important mobility hub, welcoming thousands of patients, visitors and hospital staff every day.
La Biking is on the rise, but cohabitation between the various modes remains delicate, especially at the main entrance, where pedestrians, cyclists and service vehicles converge.

In order to have objective data, the HCL Have confided to Explain the implementation of a automatic bicycle flow counting campaign.
The study consisted of:

• Install autonomous thermal sensors at the main access points of the site;
• Carry out a count continuous over 7 days and 24 hours a day to cover all attendance periods;
• Distinguish flows incoming and outgoing, as well as interactions between bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles.

The data was processed and aggregated in steps of 15 minutes, then returned in the form of synthetic indicators: hourly volumes, daily profiles, weekly variations, peak ridership and bicycle modal share.
Explain has produced a full analysis report, integrating a cross-reading of flows and conditions of access to the site, in connection with projects to develop the metropolitan bicycle network.

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The objective of the mission was to Precisely measure cycling practice on a hospital site with high traffic constraints, and provide decision support elements for the security and arrangement of accesses.
Explain aimed to:

• Quantifying cycling attendance and its hourly distribution;
• Identify areas of conflict or difficult cohabitation between modes;
• Provide a reliable database for adapt future cycling facilities and the site's internal mobility plan.

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The results of the study offer Hospices Civils de Lyon one clear and quantified vision of cycling uses, making it possible to support future planning and flow management decisions. The use of autonomous thermal sensors has made it possible to obtain accurate, continuous and anonymous data, respecting the confidentiality requirements specific to the hospital site. Explain has thus contributed to promote the development of soft mobility on a sensitive site, while guaranteeing the safety and fluidity of traffic.

The results obtained at Hospitals East of Lyon provide solid support for the planning of cycling facilities and demonstrate the relevance of innovative counting technologies in the service of active mobility.