Volunteers needed to count bicyclists and pedestrians for annual statewide survey

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Volunteers are needed in communities across the state to help count the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations. The information gathered this fall will be used to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Cascade Bicycle Club are enlisting volunteers and organizations like FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to count the numbers of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other facilities on Oct. 5, 6 and 7.

“We are working on ways to reduce the number of miles we drive each year, and counting bicyclists and pedestrians at specific locations can help us more accurately measure demand and the benefits of existing paths and trails,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “The counts also help us identify where future bicycle and pedestrian facilities are needed.”

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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 results also measure progress toward WSDOT’s goal of increasing non-motorized trips.

Cascade Bicycle Club is using its network of members and other volunteers to perform the counts in these cities: Bellevue, Bellingham, Bothell, Bremerton, Duvall, Ellensburg, Everett, Issaquah, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Longview, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Olympia, Redmond, Richland, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, Tukwila, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima. Volunteers interested in helping can learn more by visiting WSDOT’s website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Count.htm, or by contacting Cascade Bicycle Club at tessa.greegor@cascadebicycleclub.org or calling 206-204-0913.

Previous reports are posted online and a follow-up trends report will be available in January 2011. For more information go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Count.htm.