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

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Preparations underway for 2014 bicycle, pedestrian count Sept. 30–Oct. 2

During a three-day survey last year, volunteers counted nearly 66,000 bicyclists and pedestrians across Washington. As another survey cycle approaches, about 400 volunteers will be called upon again this fall to tally the number of people who ride a bike or walk to their destinations.

“As an avid cyclist, I have an appreciation for the many volunteers who help with this annual count,” said Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. “Knowing where people are and how they are using the transportation system helps us measure the results of bike and sidewalk investments and plan for future projects.”

For the seventh annual survey, WSDOT and the Cascade Bicycle Club are enlisting volunteers and organizations such as Feet First and Washington Bikes to help count the people they see bicycling and walking along paths, bike lanes, sidewalks and other facilities Tuesday, Sept. 30, through Thursday, Oct. 2. Counts will be taken at assigned locations in nearly 40 cities throughout the state.

Get involved

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

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

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