Volunteers Needed To Help Measure Bike Usage

Nearly 60,000 bicyclists and pedestrians were counted by volunteers across Washington during a three-day survey in 2012. About 400 volunteers will be needed again this fall to count the number of people who ride bike or walk to their destinations.

“Counting bicyclists and pedestrians helps us more accurately measure demand, gauge the results of our investments and plan for future improvement projects,” said Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson. “We couldn’t document the number of people walking and biking without the help of many volunteers from across the state.”

For this sixth annual survey, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Cascade Bicycle Club are enlisting volunteers and organizations like FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to help count the number of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other facilities Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Thursday, Oct. 3. Counts will be taken in a least 38 cities throughout the state.

WSDOT’s count is part of the National Documentation Project, an annual bicycle and pedestrian count and survey effort that is sponsored by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Pedestrian and Bicycle Council. The count will also help measure WSDOT’s progress toward the goal of increasing bicycling and walking while reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

Those interested in helping can learn more by visiting WSDOT’s website, or by contacting Cascade Bicycle Club at cpa@cascadebicycleclub.org or calling 206-861-9890.