City | People and Bike Counting On Streets
People and bike counting on city streets
The SensMax TAC-B 4G radar together with the SPS20 solar power system is a complete solution for people and bike counting in smart city streets. It detects pedestrians, cyclists and scooters in both directions, giving municipalities reliable statistics for urban mobility planning and infrastructure development. Real-time data helps cities understand traffic density, measure street use and plan investments more effectively.
TAC-B radar with SPS20 solar power system mounted on a street pole in a smart city
Why people and bike counting matters in smart cities
Knowing how many people walk, cycle or use scooters in city streets is valuable for mobility projects. Reliable statistics show how public spaces are used, help evaluate the effect of new infrastructure and provide data for city reports. This information supports sustainable transport planning and smarter investments in urban areas.
How the SensMax TAC-B 4G radar works
The TAC-B 4G radar sensor uses 60 GHz mmWave technology to detect movement and direction. It counts people without filming them, so it is fully GDPR compliant. The built-in 4G connection sends data directly to the SensMax cloud, and information can also be exported via MQTT or API for use in other smart city platforms.
Key benefits
- Pedestrian and cyclist data. Detects walkers, bicycles and scooters in both directions.
- Real-time statistics. 4G connection delivers instant updates to dashboards and reports.
- Wide coverage. Up to 100 m² detection area with 120° angle, suitable for sidewalks and street segments up to 10 meters wide.
- Privacy protection. Radar counts only movement, no photos or personal data are collected.
- Works in any weather. Operates in rain, fog, snow, bright sun and complete darkness.
- Off-grid ready. SPS20 solar kit with LiFePO4 battery powers the sensor for up to 85 hours without sunlight.
- Data safety. Internal SD card keeps records safe if the internet connection is lost.
Performance and accuracy
Tests in city environments show accuracy up to 99% with moderate density and around 93% in crowded areas. Best results are achieved when sensors are mounted 2.5 – 3 meters high on street poles with a clear view across the path. The radar detects pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders equally well during day or night.
TAC-B radar integrated into a smart city setup for people and bike counting
Integration and data analytics
Data is available in the SensMax cloud with hourly, daily, weekly and seasonal reports. For more advanced analysis, raw data can be exported through MQTT or API and connected to AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub or other city platforms. This allows municipalities to combine people counting data with other smart city systems for better insights.
Installation
The TAC-B radar is mounted on lamp posts, traffic lights or poles at a height of 2.5–3 meters with a clear view across the street. The SPS20 solar kit is factory pre-wired, so installation requires only fixing the units and turning the solar panel toward the sun. Sensor configuration is done from a mobile phone during setup. With IP67 protection and -20°C to +65°C operating range, the system works in all outdoor conditions and runs automatically after installation without regular maintenance.
TAC-B radar with SPS20 solar kit installed on a street pole
FAQ – common questions
- How long does it work without sun? With the SPS20 solar kit the sensor runs up to 85 hours on battery backup.
- Does it work in bad weather? Yes, it works in rain, fog, snow, bright sun and complete darkness.
- Does it need maintenance? Almost none. Only simple visual checks are advised if the housing is blocked.
- Can data be integrated? Yes, via MQTT or API with AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub and other systems.
- What is the best installation height? Between 2.5 and 3 meters with a clear view across the street.
Technical specifications
Detection area | Up to 100 m², 120° field of view |
Counting accuracy | Up to 99% (moderate density), 93% (crowded areas) |
Mounting height | 2.5 – 3.0 meters |
Connectivity | 4G/LTE, MQTT export, API integration |
Power supply | SPS20 solar kit with LiFePO4 battery, up to 85 hours backup |
Operating conditions | Rain, fog, snow, bright sun, complete darkness |
Detected objects | Pedestrians, cyclists, scooters |
Download PDF documents
SensMax TAC-B 4G sensor booklet | Download |
SensMax SPS20 solar power booklet | Download |
SensMax product catalog | Download |