Counting in calls for projects: how to be ready?

Why do funders ask for attendance data?

1. For measure the real impact of the project

A number is often more convincing than a hunch:

“This trail is getting busier” vs. “This trail receives an average of 250 visitors per day in summer, with a peak of 15,000 visitors in August.”

Calls for public projects (DETR, DSIL, rural contracts, Interreg, etc.) or European funds (FEDER, LEADER) want to ensure that supported projects really benefit the population.

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2. For justify the maintenance or investment

Funders are looking for sustainable projects. A well-attended project is more likely:

• to be maintained,
• to be understood by users,
• to have a good cost/impact ratio.

Ex: setting up a reception area or redoing a footbridge is not perceived the same if you can demonstrate 50,000 annual crossings.

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3. For strengthen your credibility

A project that relies on tangible data is perceived as more solid, more professional. This can make the difference between two similar cases.

What types of projects is counting useful for?

• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities (AVELO, Alvéole+, Master plans programs)
• Parks and natural areas (Landscape plan, Natura 2000, PAPI, ERDF environment)
• Tourism and heritage (France Relaunch Tourism, Small Towns of Tomorrow, etc.)
• Cultural or sporting events (region, department, DRAC, DRAJES, CNM...)
• Mobility and intermodality (station, transport hub, bike parking...)

How to integrate counting into a file?

1. Before the project: prove the existence of a need

💡 Counting in advance makes it possible to demonstrate that the site is already visited, or to detect underuse to be corrected.

Examples:

• Prove the saturation of an access,
• Identify a lack of infrastructure (benches, shade, coating),
• Justify the creation of new services.

2. During the project: monitor and adjust

If you are already a laureate, it is often requested to produce attendance monitoring during the duration of the project, for:

• Verify that uses are changing,
• Adjust the system (schedules, signage, flow),
• Reassure the funders.

3. After the project: measuring the impact

This is where counting comes into its own:

• Deliver a Numerical balance sheet attendance,
• Evaluate seasonality, peaks of use, recurrence,
• Highlight the benefits of the project.

📊 So you can produce graphs, tables or comparisons directly usable in your final reports.

Our tips for preparing your data well

• Anticipate the need for counting as soon as the project is designed (budget, schedule, location),
• Opt for sensors autonomous, easy to install and move,
• Choose a provider that offers clear exports and ready-to-use reports (PDF, Excel, charts),
• Prefer solutions anonymous, without cameras, easy to get accepted locally,
• Also think about one-time event counting, useful for festivals or events supported by public aid.

When should meters be installed?

⏱ It all depends on your deadlines:

• 6 to 12 months before the application is submitted for an attendance study,
• From the start of the project if the data must be collected during,
• At the time of commissioning for post-inauguration attendance monitoring.

💬 It is often more strategic to have 3 months of solid data than to rely on a one-week survey.

In conclusion

Counting is not just a measurement tool: It is a financing lever and a management argument.

The more accurate data your projects are equipped with, the better you will be able to:

• Convince your partners,
• Meet administrative requirements,
• Promote your action and your territories.

Are you preparing a file or a call for projects?

We support many local authorities in integrating metering into their projects. Discreet, autonomous, mobile, our sensors are designed to adapt to your reality on the ground.

📩 Contact us to discuss your needs and build the best follow-up solution together.