❌ "We believe cycling has increased, but we can’t prove it"
Without continuous and objective data, it is impossible to quantify growth in bicycle usage, identify trends or justify evidence-based decisions.
Intelligent Bicycle
Counting for Bike Lanes
Radar-based bicycle counting system for cities and smart mobility projects
Get accurate and objective data on bike lane usage with a radar-based bicycle counting system. Camera-free, privacy-friendly and designed for urban cycling infrastructure, this solution is widely used by cities, municipalities, engineering firms and technology integrators to analyze cyclist traffic, plan bike networks and make data-driven mobility decisions. Fast installation (under 1 hour) and reliable operation in all weather conditions, including rain and fog.
+99%
Proven Accuracy
<1h
Fast Installation
24/7
Continuous 24/7 Operation
Real-Time
Real-Time Bicycle Data
The Problem
Why Bicycle Counting Is Essential to Measure Real Bike Lane Usage
Without objective data on cycling infrastructure usage, technical and strategic decisions are often based on assumptions rather than facts. This affects cities, municipalities, engineering firms, consultants and technology integrators that require reliable data to plan, justify investments and assess the real impact of cycling and active mobility projects.
❌ Difficulty Justifying Investments in Cycling Infrastructure
The lack of reliable metrics makes decision-making and budget approval more complex when expanding or improving bike lane networks.
❌ High Costs and Maintenance of Traditional Counting Systems
Inductive loops and in-ground sensors require civil works, suffer frequent failures and generate high maintenance and replacement costs.
❌ Manual Bicycle Counts That Are Limited and Not Representative
Occasional manual counts do not reflect real long-term cycling behavior and prevent reliable comparisons over time.
❌ Lack of Data on Cycling Traffic Behavior
Without data on speed, direction of travel or hourly patterns, it is difficult to optimize the design and use of cycling infrastructure.
❌ Unreliable Systems in Adverse Environmental Conditions
Optical or mechanical solutions fail in rain, dirt or low visibility, leading to data loss at critical times.
The solution
Smart Radar-Based Bicycle Counting System for Urban Mobility
The uRAD Smart Radar Sensor is a professional solution designed to measure, analyze and understand real bike lane usage in urban and peri-urban environments. Widely used by cities, municipalities and mobility engineering teams, it leverages 60 GHz FMCW radar technology to continuously detect, count and classify cyclists with high accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions, without using cameras.
Reliable Bicycle Mobility Data Without Civil Works
Unlike inductive loops or pneumatic systems, this solution is installed on existing poles or streetlights in under 60 minutes, without roadworks or traffic disruptions. This makes it an ideal alternative for cities, engineering firms and technology integrators seeking fast deployment and reliable bicycle traffic data.
- Individual cyclist speed measurement (up to 180 km/h)
- Direction of travel detection (inbound / outbound)
- Continuous bicycle counting and traffic volume analysiswith unique trip identification
- GPS-based timestamps for precise temporal and spatial studies
- 160° field of view covering the entire bike lane
- Detection range of up to 100 meters for early cyclist detection
The integrated processor analyzes radar signals in real time and supports data transmission via Wi-Fi, RS-485 or optional 4G, enabling seamless integration with Smart City platforms, municipal mobility systems, traffic management platforms and third-party solutions.
60 GHz
Radar FMCW
Comparative
Bicycle Counting Systems Comparison: Radar vs Traditional Methods
Why Are Cities, Public Authorities and Engineering Firms Choosing Radar Sensors Over Traditional Counting Methods?
| Comparison Criteria | uRAD FMCW Radar | Inductive Loops | Pneumatic Tubes | Optical Sensors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | < 1 hour, no civil works | Days, pavement cutting required | Hours, temporary installation | Hours, calibration required |
| Privacy & Data Protection Compliance | No cameras or personal data | Yes | Yes | Risk of image capture |
| Operation in Rain | Yes, 24/7 operation | Yes | Risk of slippage | Interference issues |
| Nighttime Operation | Yes, no lighting required | Yes | Yes | Requires lighting or IR |
| Speed Measurement | Accurate and instantaneous | Not available | Approximate | Not available |
| Direction Detection | Yes | No | Yes | Model-dependent |
| Maintenance | Virtually maintenance-free | High (frequent failures) | Frequent replacement | Periodic cleaning |
| Service Life | 10+ years | 3–5 years | 1–2 years | 5–7 years |
| Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) | Lower in the long term | High (civil works). | Medium | Medium–high |
uRAD FMCW Radar
Installation <1h
Rain 24/7
Night Yes
Velocity Precisa
Maintenance Mínimo
Service Life 10+ years
Inductive Loops
Installation Días
Rain Yes
Night Yes
Velocity No
Maintenance Alto
Service Life3–5 years
Pneumatic Tubes
InstallationHoras
Rain Risk of slippage
Night Yes
VelocityApproximate
Maintenance Sustitución
Service Life1–2 years
Optical Sensors
InstallationHoras
Rain Interference issues
Night Requiere luz
Velocity No
MaintenanceLimpieza
Service Life5–7 years
Advantages
Advantages of Radar-Based Bicycle Counting for Bike Lanes
All-Weather Operation
60 GHz FMCW radar technology does not rely on lighting or visibility. It operates reliably in rain, fog, snow and complete darkness, ensuring continuous and accurate data collection.
Fast Installation with No Civil Works
Installed on existing poles or streetlights in under one hour, with no pavement cutting or invasive interventions. This significantly reduces installation time and costs compared to traditional bicycle counting systems.
High Accuracy in Real-World Conditions
Optimized algorithms for bicycle detection deliver 99%+ accuracy under controlled and optimal configurations. Adjustable settings minimize interference from pedestrians or other vehicles.
Connectivity Ready for Professional Integration
RS-485, UART and opto-isolated GPIO interfaces enable seamless integration with ITS systems. Wi-Fi support for remote configuration and optional 4G connectivity allow direct data transmission to municipal and Smart City cloud platforms.
Low Power Consumption
Typical power consumption ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 W, making the system suitable for solar-powered installations and locations with limited energy availability. Ideal for autonomous bicycle counting deployments.
Minimal Maintenance and Long Service Life
No moving parts or components exposed to wear. IP66-rated enclosure for harsh environments and a service life exceeding 10 years, reducing the total cost of ownership.
Operation
How Radar-Based Automatic Bicycle Counting Works
-
Detection Using FMCW Radar Waves
The sensor emits FMCW radar signals in the 60–64 GHz band. Its 160° field of view covers the entire bike lane and reliably detects moving objects, regardless of lighting or visibility conditions.
-
Real-Time Signal Processing
The integrated processor analyzes the radar signal in real time and extracts key parameters such as speed, distance and direction of travel. The system can handle multiple cyclists simultaneously, ensuring accurate and continuous counting.
-
Identification and Classification
Each detected trip is recorded with a unique identifier. By analyzing the radar signature, the system accurately distinguishes bicycles from pedestrians and other vehicles, significantly reducing false positives. Optionally, GPIO outputs can be used to trigger signage or visual alerts.
-
Data Transmission and System Integration
Data is transmitted via RS-485, UART, Wi-Fi or optional 4G, depending on the project architecture. This enables seamless integration with Smart City platforms, ITS systems and custom dashboards to visualize bicycle counts, average speeds, hourly distributions and long-term trends.
CASE STUDY
Pamplona City Council
Eight uRAD Smart Radar Sensors installed at strategic locations provide objective data for the planning, evaluation and optimization of urban cycling mobility.
Pamplona City Council
Go Green Pamplona Strategy
2,7M
Annual Passages
7.492
Bicycles / Day
18,8
km/h Average Speed
728K
Annual Passages (Navas de Tolosa)
📊 Key Findings
- 62.9% of bicycle traffic is directed towards the city center
- Higher usage intensity during academic months: September, March and October
- Peak traffic period: 14:00–15:00 (commuting hours)
- Maximum recorded speed: 25.9 km/h
🎯 Impact and Results
- Technical justification for the expansion of cycling infrastructure
- Optimization of traffic signal timing at key intersections
- Design of data-driven mobility campaigns
- Continuous 24/7 monitoring with no interruptions
The objective data obtained through the bicycle counting system enabled Pamplona City Council to make investment decisions in cycling infrastructure based on real demand and quantifiable evidence.
Versatility
One Technology Platform, Multiple Use Cases
The same sensor can be configured for different mobility, urban safety and Smart City integration scenarios, making it a flexible solution for public authorities, engineering firms and technology integrators.
Bicycle Counting and Analysis
Bike lane–specific configuration designed to accurately measure bicycle flows and generate key metrics for mobility planning and analysis.
✓ Features
- Individual bicycle speed measurement
- Unique trip identification
- Lane and detection zone configuration
- GPIO outputs for traffic signaling integration
Pedestrian Detection
Urban-focused application designed to improve road safety by detecting pedestrian presence and approach in sensitive or high-risk areas.
✓ Features
- Real-time approach detection
- Configurable coverage area
- Adjustable sensitivity based on environment
- Integration with visual or light-based signaling systems
Vehicle Traffic Counting and Monitoring
Advanced configuration for road traffic measurement in urban and peri-urban environments, suitable for traffic studies and ITS integration.
✓ Features
- Detection range up to 100 meters
- Real-time speed and distance measurement
- Individual vehicle identification
- Multi-lane traffic analysis
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION
Designed for Engineering Firms, System Integrators and Technology Partners
The uRAD Smart Radar Sensor is not just a standalone product, but a technology platform designed to integrate into professional mobility, IoT and smart infrastructure architectures.
Flexible Integration into Existing Systems
The sensor is designed as a professional, integrable component for Smart City platforms, ITS systems, custom dashboards and third-party solutions. It provides multiple physical interfaces and fully documented communication protocols to support custom integrations.
- Professional interfaces:RS-485, UART and opto-isolated GPIO,
- Local configuration via Wi-Fi using a web-based interface
- Optional 4G module for direct data transmission to cloud platforms
- Documented communication protocol for low-level system integration
- Compatibility with ITS architectures and Smart City platforms
- Flexible power supply: 8–42 V DC (ideal for streetlights, control cabinets or solar-powered installations)
This architecture allows integrators and developers to build custom solutions on top of uRAD technology, ranging from mobility analytics platforms to dynamic urban signaling and traffic activation systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything You Need to Know
How much does it cost to install a bicycle counter with radar?
The cost of the uRAD Smart Radar Sensor varies depending on the configuration (4G connectivity, solar panel, etc.). However, the real savings are in the installation: because it does not require civil works, pavement cuts, or buried induction loops, you save between €5,000 and €15,000 in installation costs compared to traditional systems. In addition, the almost zero maintenance reduces the TCO (total cost of ownership) by 40% over 10 years.
What accuracy does it have compared to manual counting?
The radar system achieves over 99% accuracy under optimal conditions. Compared to manual counting, it eliminates human error, operator fatigue, and interruptions. In addition, it operates 24/7/365, while manual counting only captures short samples of a few hours.
Does it also work with electric scooters and cargo bikes?
Yes. The radar detects any personal mobility vehicle (PMV) moving within the detection area. Electric scooters, cargo bikes, tricycles, and bicycles with trailers are detected correctly. Lane configuration allows sensitivity adjustments to reduce false positives.
Does it require maintenance? How often?
Maintenance is almost non-existent. With no moving parts or wear components, the sensor operates autonomously for years. The IP66-rated housing protects against dust, rain, and vandalism. Service life exceeds 10 years.
How does it integrate with the traffic management system?
The uRAD Smart Radar Sensor offers multiple connectivity options: RS-485 for integration with standard ITS systems, UART for direct connections, two opto-isolated GPIOs to trigger traffic lights, Wi-Fi for remote configuration, and optionally 4G for direct data transmission to the cloud.
What data does it provide for mobility analysis?
For each cyclist: GPS timestamp, instantaneous speed (±0.5 km/h), direction (inbound/outbound), lane, and unique ID.
At an aggregated level: counts per hour/day/month, hourly distribution, average speed, trends, and export to CSV/Excel/PDF.
Can it be powered by solar energy?
Yes. The sensor’s ultra-low power consumption (0.5–2.5 W) allows autonomous operation using a small solar panel and battery. Ideal for remote locations without electrical infrastructure or for projects with a zero carbon footprint.
Do you need to implement a Bicycle Counting System?
We design the complete solution for your bike lane: optimal site assessment, technical sizing, professional installation in under 1 hour, Wi-Fi configuration, and ongoing technical support. URAD Smart Radar FMCW 60 GHz sensor, specifically designed for bicycle lanes.
- Site assessment
- Installation < 1 hour
- WiFi configuration
- Technical support