NMU – Non-Motorised Users Counts

We deliver NMU Count surveys across UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and the Middle East, ensuring international best practices in pedestrian and cycle data capture. Whether it’s for infrastructure development, mobility studies, or urban design.

What is NMU – Non-Motorised Users Counts?

NMU Count, or Non-Motorised Users Count, is a traffic survey used to track and record the number of people using non-motorised modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and wheelchair use. These counts help understand how many people rely on footpaths, cycle lanes, or crossings in a particular area.

In short, it’s a way to measure the footfall and cycle traffic in cities or rural areas. These counts are essential for transportation authorities, city planners, and infrastructure developers working to improve pedestrian and cyclist environments.

Why is NMU Count Important?

To improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
To plan footpaths, cycle tracks, and pedestrian crossings
To encourage eco-friendly and active travel options
To design inclusive infrastructure for all users
To ensure balanced transport planning that doesn’t just favor vehicles
To help build smart, walkable cities

Objectives of NMU Surveys

Measure volume and direction of pedestrian or cycle flow
Understand peak movement hours
Observe crosswalk usage and safety behavior
Identify conflict points between vehicles and NMUs
Improve urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions
Design for inclusive access, especially for differently-abled persons

How NMU Counts are Conducted

Method	Description
Manual Counting	Enumerators note the number of NMUs at a fixed location over time
Video Surveillance	CCTV or mobile video is recorded and later analyzed
Automatic Counters	Sensors or infrared counters are installed on paths or cycle tracks
Drone Mapping	Aerial footage for large intersections or remote areas
App-Based Data	Mobile apps track voluntary movement data from pedestrians or cyclists

Pro Tip: Accurate survey data is key to better planning. Explore professional traffic and household data collection services at Traffic Data Count.

Types of Non-Motorised Users

NMU Category	Description
Pedestrians	People walking or using mobility aids
Cyclists	Individuals riding bicycles or e-bikes
Wheelchair Users	Including motorised and manual wheelchairs
Pushcarts/Strollers	People pushing baby strollers or handcarts
Skateboards/Scooters	Users on skateboards or manual scooters
Livestock Users	Common in rural areas, like cattle-driven carts

Use of NMU Data in Urban Planning

Design safe pedestrian crossings and bike lanes
Improve signal timings at intersections
Add ramps, elevators, and tactile paths for accessibility
Reduce vehicular conflicts with better NMU signage and barriers
Support policies for active and green transport
Aid in development of urban master plans or transport impact assessments

Challenges in NMU Surveys

Movement is often irregular and random, making data hard to track
Bad weather can affect outdoor surveys
Many NMUs travel in mixed-use areas, complicating observation
Technology like sensors may miss certain users, e.g., wheelchairs or strollers
Nighttime movement is harder to track without proper lighting or equipment

Benefits of NMU – Non-Motorised Users Counts

Improved Safety Measures

Identify high-risk crossings or congested paths to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and signal installations.

Sustainable Urban Planning

Support smart city initiatives by encouraging active travel and reducing carbon footprints.

Optimized Infrastructure Investment

Ensure investments in walkways, zebra crossings, cycle tracks, and green paths are based on real-time usage data.

Support for Transport Policy

Enable governments and agencies to draft pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly policies based on credible, data-backed evidence.

Our Process

Steps to Accurate Traffic Data Analysis

Data Collection & Analysis

We gather and analyze traffic data to provide actionable insights that improve flow and safety.

Management & Execution

Our team ensures seamless project management for timely, high-quality delivery.

Project Oversight & Delivery

We oversee every phase to ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and client requirements.

12+

Years of Experience

Our Legacy

Why Choose Traffic Data Count?

We are your trusted partner in traffic data analysis, offering expert solutions to support smarter urban development and transportation planning. Here’s why clients choose us:

Testimonials

Honest Reviews from our Customers

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