Counting Bicyclists and Pedestrians on a Rural Highway in New Mexico

This paper details challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned while seeking to count the number of people walking and bicycling along US 180 in southwest New Mexico. Findings show people are walking and bicycling along this corridor, with at least 2 to 6 people bicycling, one-way, on an average day, and at least 9 to 11 people walking, one-way, on an average day. Those using an existing sidewalk and multi-use pathway appear to be doing so for utilitarian purposes, particularly during weekdays. Bicyclists on the roadway and those walking and bicycling on the weekends appear to be for more recreational purposes. The researchers used the best available tools for the count. However, from this effort, there was a demonstrated need to provide methods, guidance, and tools regarding best practices for counting those walking and bicycling in the rural context.