Pedestrian Count Study - Downtown Raleigh Alliance

Trained individuals acting as “counters” used electronic
counting devices or standardized forms and captured
pedestrian activity within 15-minute increments. All
collected data was then aggregated within a spreadsheet
for analysis.
1.3 Findings
Counters used electronic “count boxes” to record
data.
Raleigh is an economic hub within the region with a vibrant
downtown and expansive suburban ring. The analysis of this
report reveals that even with substantial suburban growth,
a large population is using and navigating the downtown
area. The study found that the lunch period attracts that
largest amount of pedestrian activity, as employees,
visitors, and residents, presumably, dine out in downtown
restaurants and cafes. The top fi ve locations with the
highest levels of activity included:
A variety of uses are seen throughout downtown
Raleigh’s sidewalks.
• The west side of Fayetteville Street between Hargett
Street and Martin Street
• The west side of Fayetteville Street between Martin Street
and Davie Street
• The east side of Fayetteville Street between Hargett
Street and Martin Street
• The west side of Fayetteville Street between Morgan
Street and Hargett Street
• The east side of Fayetteville Street between Martin Street
and Davie Street
As the specifi c location data might suggest, the city block location with
the highest average of pedestrians per hour over the 11-hour count
period was the Fayetteville Street block between Hargett and Martin
Streets. Additionally, the Fayetteville Street block between Hargett
and Martin Streets held the highest counts for the morning and lunch
periods. However, during the late night count, the block of Glenwood
Avenue between Tucker and North Streets evidenced the highest level of
pedestrian activity.
Analysis of the total volume of pedestrians in downtown Raleigh parallel
to other cities evidenced the strength of activity on downtown Raleigh’s
sidewalks. The volume of traffi c in the Raleigh study area tends to exceed
the volume of small and even larger cities.
The fi ndings and conclusion of the DRA pedestrian count study show a
clear link between the downtown’s booming pedestrian environment and
opportunities for commerce in downtown. With this data, the DRA and the
City have a solid basis for promoting future public and private investments
in the walkability, livability, and economic prosperity of downtown
Raleigh.
1.4-Executive Summary| Downtown Raleigh Alliance