Trails | People Counting on Walking and Cycling Trails
People Counting on Walking and Cycling Trails
Walking and cycling trails are popular places for recreation, sports and local mobility. They are used by people of all ages who want to enjoy nature and stay active. Knowing how many visitors use the trails helps city services and park managers plan resources, improve safety and give a better experience for everyone. The SensMax TAC-B 4G Radar together with the SPS20 Solar Power System is a ready solution for people counting on walking and cycling trails. It delivers reliable visitor statistics that help to manage trails in a smarter way.
Radar sensor with solar power kit installed on a park trail for counting pedestrians and cyclists
Why People Counting on Trails Matters
Trail data helps managers use resources more effectively. Knowing peak hours supports better cleaning schedules, waste bin placement and maintenance planning. Monitoring visitor numbers also improves safety, as it shows when areas risk becoming overcrowded and staff need to be deployed. In addition, understanding which routes are most used highlights where to add benches, improve lighting or expand cycling paths. For city planners, statistics from walking and cycling trails are valuable input for designing sustainable transport networks and future development projects.
How SensMax Radar People Counting Works
The TAC-B 4G Radar Sensor uses 60GHz mmWave technology to detect moving objects. It records direction as people cross virtual lines and can distinguish movement patterns. The sensor works during the day or night and is not affected by light, shadows or glare. Because it uses radar and not cameras, it protects visitor privacy and fully meets GDPR rules.
Key Benefits
- Accurate live data. Up to 99% accuracy with instant transmission through 4G connection.
- Large coverage. One sensor covers up to 100 m² with a 120-degree field of view, suitable for trails up to 10 meters wide.
- Pedestrians and cyclists. Detects walkers, bicycles and scooters in both directions.
- Privacy safe. Radar detects only movement and does not capture faces, clothing or personal details.
- Weather proof. Works reliably in heavy rain, fog, snow, bright sun and complete darkness.
- Off-grid ready. The SPS20 solar kit with LiFePO4 battery keeps the system running for up to 85 hours with no sunlight.
- Quick installation. Pre-wired design and adjustable brackets make setup simple without electrical permits.
Performance and Accuracy
Tests show accuracy up to 99% when visitors are spaced about one person per square meter, and around 93% when density grows to three people per square meter. The radar detects pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders moving in both directions. Best results are achieved when installed 2.5 to 3 meters above the ground with a clear view across the path.
Visitor analytics from SensMax sensors help to improve trails and city planning
Use Cases
SensMax radar counters are used on walking trails in public parks, along cycling routes and bike lanes, in national parks and protected areas, and on tourist waterfronts and promenades. They are also part of smart city projects where municipalities want reliable, privacy-safe visitor data to support better infrastructure planning.
Integration and Data Analytics
Collected data is shown in the SensMax cloud dashboard with daily, weekly and seasonal reports. For advanced use, raw data can be exported via MQTT or API and connected to Amazon AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub or other reporting systems. This flexibility allows cities to combine visitor numbers with other smart city data for deeper insights.
Installation
The TAC-B 4G radar sensor is made for simple and reliable installation on poles or signposts along trails. No electrical permit is required because it works with the SPS20 solar kit. The recommended mounting height is 2.5 to 3 meters for the best results, with a clear view across the trail. The solar panel can be placed on the same pole and directed toward the sun. All connections are pre-wired and marked, so installation takes only a few hours. Counting lines and zones can be set during setup using SensMax tools. After installation the system runs automatically without extra attention.
TAC-B radar sensor with SPS20 solar kit mounted on a pole along a walking trail
FAQ – Common Questions
- How long does the radar work without sun? With the SPS20 solar kit the sensor continues working for up to 85 hours on its LiFePO4 battery backup.
- Do people counting sensors work in bad weather? Yes, the radar works in heavy rain, fog, snow, strong sun and full darkness.
- Do radar counters need maintenance? The system needs almost no care. Dust or dirt does not affect radar. Only simple checks are advised to make sure the housing is not blocked.
- Can trail data be used in other software? Yes, statistics can be exported with MQTT or API and connected to AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub or other platforms.
- What is the best installation setup? Mount the sensor at 2.5 to 3 meters with a clear line of sight across the trail for the best accuracy.
People counting on walking and cycling trails with SensMax TAC-B 4G Radar and SPS20 Solar Power System provides reliable visitor numbers in any weather, day or night. It helps cities, parks and planners make better decisions for safer and more enjoyable trails.
Technical Specifications
| Detection area | Up to 100 m², 120° field of view |
| Counting accuracy | Up to 99% (1 person/m²), 93% (3 persons/m²) |
| 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 |
