Call for volunteers: Help count Washington’s cyclists and walkers this fall

More than 72,000 bicyclists and pedestrians were counted by volunteers across Washington during a three-day survey in 2014. As another survey cycle nears, about 400 volunteers will again be needed this fall to count the number of people who ride bike or walk to their destinations. Volunteer registration is starting now.

“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 eighth 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, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 1. Counts will be taken in a least 38 cities throughout the state.

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

WSDOT and the Cascade Bicycle Club are asking volunteers from across the state to perform the counts in participating cities including Lake Forest Park and Shoreline.

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.