This paper analyses bicycle ridership patterns using a unique database of automated bicycle counts from approximately 40 locations in five North American cities and along the Route Verte in Quebec. The cities involved in this study are Montreal, Ottawa, Portland, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Count data show that the bicycle volume patterns at each location can be classified as utilitarian, mixed utilitarian, recreational and mixed recreational. Study locations classified into each of these categories are found to have consistent hourly and weekly traffic patterns, despite important differences between these cities in terms of factors such as weather, size, and urban form. Expansion factors for each location type are presented by hour and day of the week. There were differences in seasonal patterns of bicycle activity between the study locations, so different monthly expansion factors are presented for each city. Finally, some traffic volume characteristics are presented for comparison purposes.

NCHRP Report 797: Guidebook on Pedestrian and Bicycle Volume Data Collection is directed to practitioners involved in collecting non-motorized count data. The Guidebook (1) describes methods and technologies for counting pedestrians and bicyclists, (2) offers guidance on developing a non-motorized count program, (3) gives suggestions on selecting appropriate counting methods and technologies, and (4) provides examples of how organizations have used non-motorized count data to better fulfill their missions. The research behind the Guidebook can be found on the TRB website as NCHRP Web-Only Document 205: Methods and Technologies for Pedestrian and Bicycle Volume Data Collection (NWOD 205). NWOD 205 includes the results of the testing and evaluation of a range of automated count technologies that capture pedestrian and bicycle volume data.