Ferry cyclist counter to be replaced

An “unreliable” cyclist counter is set to be replaced at Broughty Ferry next week.

Sustrans Scotland has confirmed the new cyclist counter will be in place at Douglas Terrace on August 10.

Ferry councillor Craig Duncan had criticised the counter’s predecessor after it reportedly mistook himself as a cyclist while walking his dog.

Sustrans claim the new counter, which will be one of 13 across Scotland, will be better adept at making the distinction between bikes and people,

“Information is only any use if it is reliable. CRAIG DUNCAN

as it will count people passing on foot as well as those using pedal power.

But there will not be a live display screen on the machine.

Figures will instead be updated online and Mr Duncan has cast doubt on the veracity of figures if people can’t see the count in real time.

He said: “I have noticed it over counting cyclists, but then later seen it under counting.

“My concern is that before we were able to see it counting with our own eyes. But that won’t be the case with this new one and we just won’t know how accurate the count will be.

“Information is only any use if it is reliable. I hope this new counter is accurate but my concern is we have no way of verifying it.

“It’s like letting someone mark their own homework. You wouldn’t let a politician count their own ballot papers.

“These counters will be all over the country, so it is not just in Dundee that this could be an issue.”

Nadia Freeman, Sustrans Scotland partnerships manager, said: “These innovative counters will help track the number of people using some of our most popular National Cycle Network routes.”