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Methodology <br />The information in this report reflects the number of trips made past the designated point on the <br />trail by cyclists, pedestrians, and those using other methods of transportation. For example, if an individual <br />passes the designated point and then turns around and passes the point again going in the opposite <br />direction, this would count as two trips. Therefore, the information presented does not reflect the number <br />of unique users, but rather the number of trips made past the designated point on the trail. This method for <br />manual counts is the most practical and accurate option. As each trail user passes the counter the mode of <br />transportation, gender, age group (child or adult), and helmet use (if applicable) are noted. Typically, the <br />counter notes if the trail user is travelling in a group of two or more people. Distinguishing between trail <br />users in groups and those just traveling in proximity to one another can be difficult. It was not possible for <br />the counter to record information about groups on the Centennial Greenway because of the high volume of <br />users and the intermittent way users interacted with one another. <br />Manual counts represent a sound method for collecting trail data, but a few drawbacks still exist. It is <br />not feasible to monitor the trail 24 hours a day. Five to seven hour periods are selected to perform the <br />counts based on peak usage observed during previous trail counts. The demographic data collected is <br />valuable, but may not be completely accurate. Determining the age and gender of cyclists in full gear at high <br />speeds can be difficult. It can also be difficult to determine the gender of small children in strollers and child <br />carriers. Lastly, pedestrians might be under-represented in the count because they tend to travel much <br />shorter distances than cyclists and are less likely to be found at any one point along the trail. <br />Trip Counts <br />Figure 2 <br /> <br />