Left Example: In Dublin, Ireland, a display counter was used during the international cycling summit, Velo-city. This showed conference attendees and local cyclists the impact they were having together on cycling numbers in the city.
Right Example: In Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a display counter was installed on a busy cycling path. On it, a rising bar filled as cyclists were counted throughout the year. This gave an impression of everyone contributing to get the top and fill the bar.
2. Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles and Improving Safety
It’s easy to forget the incredible health benefits of consistent walking and cycling. A display counter can remind and encourage people to adopt these healthy habits by showing the popularity of walking and biking in their community. Along similar lines, display counters can also jog the memories of pedestrians and cyclists to be alert and safe on roads.
Left example: In Greenville, South Carolina, a multi-user counter is strategically placed near a popular walking/biking path. Seeing the high number of pedestrians and cyclists passing by can motivate locals to grab their running shoes and bikes to join the movement, promoting a healthier lifestyle while enjoying the city’s beautiful green spaces.
Right example: In Arlington, Virginia, a display counter reminds passersby to be a PAL: predictable, alert, and lawful.
3. Promoting Local Government Action
When it comes to building active transportation infrastructure, pushbacks are common. Many might doubt the value of pedestrian or bike lanes instead of roads for motor vehicles. With a display counter, you can help justify your investments with a real-time look at the results of your efforts.
Left Example: In Long Beach, California, a multi-modal counter was installed on the beach. In this high-traffic area, residents can see the municipal logo. This hopefully will spark conversations about the city’s commitment to active transportation.
Right Example: In Travelers Rest, South Carolina, a beautifully designed display counter is placed near a popular multi-use path. With the city’s logo front and center, citizens know that their government is investing in active transportation.
4. Providing Key Messages to Citizens
In today’s age of communication, people have messages thrown at them from multiple sources every minute of every day. Yet, some messages stand out more than others. A message on a display counter is a way to communicate with your citizens in a non-intrusive but attention-grabbing way.
Left Example: In Austin, Texas, a pedestrian and bike counter displays time, date, and a custom message for citizens.
Right Example: In Izmir, Turkey, a multi-use display counter shares temperature, date, and a message for passersby.
5. Creating an Attractive Urban Landscape
At their core, display counters are pieces of street art. A well-designed display counter can liven up a cityscape and create newfound pride for locals in the community.
Both Examples: In Montreal, Quebec, two displays of different sizes decorate the streets to give the city a distinctive look. Placed in different areas, the red and black design of both counters create consistency in the city’s urban design.
Conclusion
Pedestrian and bicycle display counters are far more than just data collection tools—they’re dynamic street decorations that offer multiple benefits. From boosting community engagement and encouraging healthier lifestyles to communicating government initiatives, delivering messages, and improving urban design, these counters play a crucial role in shaping vibrant, efficient, and engaging cities. By embracing these counting solutions, cities can pave the way for happier more communal environments for their citizens.
If you’re interested in Eco-Counter’s display counters, read more about them here:
Also check out our Eco-DISPLAY World Map!
