Pedestrian Count Study - Downtown Raleigh Alliance

1. Executive Summary
1.1 Purpose
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) commissioned this study of
pedestrian activity in key downtown corridors as a means of furthering
the downtown’s economic development goals. The three target areas
of the study are: the Fayetteville District, Glenwood South District, and
Warehouse District. Through use of the pedestrian count methodology
described below, this report establishes a baseline of current pedestrian
activity in Raleigh’s downtown core and late night/entertainment districts.
The analysis of current pedestrian activity provided in this report allows
both the DRA and the City to better understand pedestrian preferences,
evaluate pedestrian infrastructure, and anticipate the future needs,
as well as contributions of downtown pedestrians. Economically, the
count data will support local efforts to attract new and expanded retail,
restaurants, and commercial occupants, each of which bears a unique
relationship to pedestrian activity in terms of peak periods of activity,
location, and visibility.
This pedestrian count also contributes to the broader vision of promoting
downtown Raleigh as a regional center of commerce, tourism, and
livability. Walkable streetscapes are a cornerstone of a thriving downtown
and a growing urban economy. With the fi ndings of this report and
continued focus on the nature of pedestrian activity in priority areas,
downtown Raleigh can offer compelling evidence of the strength and
appeal of its urban core.
1.2 Methodology
This study employs a nationally-vetted pedestrian count methodology
created by the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation project
(NBPD). The forms, metrics, and implementation strategies are derived
from this proven national system of recording bike and pedestrian activity.
Within the three priority districts of downtown, the Downtown Raleigh
Alliance identifi ed 74 count locations. Each of the 74 locations specifi es
a specifi c side of the selected street within a specifi c block. Counts
were taken at a mid-block point, using the “screenline” approach,
which essentially ensures that each “body on the sidewalk” that passes
through an imaginary straight-line screen is counted. As determined by
the national methodologies, this approach provides consistency and
reliability.
Over the course of four weeks during springtime weather, counts were
taken on eight weekdays and one Saturday. The counts also varied
by specifi c time of day to capture pedestrian activity throughout a
“typical” day in downtown Raleigh. In particular, recognizing tendencies
of downtown commercial activity, this report focused on a morning
timeframe, the lunchtime period, the afternoon peak, and also late-night
activity.
Pedestrian Study | Executive Summary-1.3
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