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I. Examples of What and How to Measure

The examples below are organized by strategy. “How to measure” column also indicates in bold the type of method it is. For more information about these methods in general, see Ways to Collect Information.

Engineering Topics
Topic What to measure How to measure
Install bicycle racks Construction of bicycle racks Observation
Construct sidewalks Prioritization on local improvement plan Existing records from city
Construction of sidewalks Observation
Improve intersection near school Installation of signage and devices Observation
Build walking and bicycling paths Presence of walking and/or bicycling paths Audit
Observation
Enforcement Topics
Topic What to measure How to measure
Driver education campaign to encourage slowing down Number of fliers distributed Observation
Number of media stories
Number of warnings or citations given near school Data from police department
Using a speed trailer Speed of vehicles near school Portable speed detection device
Existing data or log
Beginning a school safety patrol Number of safety patrol volunteers training Observation
Enforcing no parking in drop-off and pick-up areas Number of fliers placed on illegally parked cars Observation
Number of tickets for illegally parked cars Records from Law Enforcement
Number of illegally parked cars Observation
Education Topics
Topic What to measure How to measure
Teach pedestrian or bicyclist safety to students Score on a knowledge survey Survey
Student interviews
Practice pedestrian or bicyclist safety skills with students. Percent of helmeted bicyclists Observation
Percent of pedestrians crossing properly Observation
Educate parents about laws requiring yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists Score on survey question Survey
Number of parent driver violations Observation
Develop an “Eyes on the Street” program Number of volunteers in program Tally
Encouragement Topics
Topic What to measure How to measure
Hold a Walk to School event Number of participants Interview with school staff person
Survey of students
Media coverage Existing data from newspaper
Conduct a walking school bus/bicycle train program Number of participants Observation
Training of students and volunteers Survey of students
Parents’ attitudes about walking and bicycling to school Interview with leader
Written or telephone survey
Use a Frequent Walker Punch Card Number of cards distributed Tallies
Number of prizes given
Promote a Morning or Recess Mile program Number of participants Observation