Cycling in Jena: permanent counting stations record over 1.4 million journeys in the first half of 2025

The city of Jena relies on modern permanent counting stations for a better understanding of cycling trends. These continuously record the number and direction of bicycle journeys in the city. In the first half of 2025 (01.01. to 30.06.2025), a total of 1,410,223 journeys were recorded at the six counting stations - this corresponds to a daily average of around 1,300 journeys per counting station.

The highest figures in the period from January to June 2025 were once again recorded at the Oberaue counting station with 356,424 journeys, closely followed by Bibliotheksplatz (334,023) and Griesbrücke (326,422). Burgauer Weg (215,436) and Goldbergrampe (146,861) also recorded high usage figures. The new counting station on Erfurter Straße recorded 31,057 journeys in the first half of the year.

By way of comparison: in 2024 as a whole, 2,411,153 counts were recorded at the six counting stations, with a daily average of 1,460 journeys per counting station. Data gaps at individual locations - such as Griesbrücke or Erfurter Straße - explain minor deviations in the quarterly evaluations.

Modern technology for reliable data

The permanent counting points work using induction loop-based sensor technology. This recognizes the electromagnetic signature of metal bicycle parts and evaluates them. Carbon bikes or racing bikes can usually also be reliably recorded. Bicycles with trailers are counted as two bicycles.

Depending on the location and generation of technology, two-lane cargo bikes are either included in the count or are not yet fully recognizable for technical reasons. At the newer counting point in Erfurter Straße, however, the sensor used enables better differentiation.

The accuracy guaranteed by the manufacturer is on average 95% on cycle-only lanes and 90% in mixed traffic.

Funding from the state of Thuringia and AGFK

Some of the counting points - specifically four locations - were purchased with the support of the state of Thuringia and the Working Group of Bicycle-Friendly Municipalities in Thuringia (AGFK Thuringia). The continuous recording provides an important basis for the targeted promotion of cycling and the planning of needs-oriented measures.