Make it count

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The Fremont Bridge sees the most bicycle crossings of any bridge in the state. The count project helps us gather similar key data from across the state.

Ever wonder how many people bicycle or walk through a given intersection in your community?  Unfortunately, that data may not exist.  The solution: The Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. For the fourth consecutive year, volunteers around the state will be collecting data about bicycling and walking along streets, trails and intersections around Washington.  Granted we won’t be counting at every possible location, but with over 200 count locations statewide, we’ll have a great snapshot of bicycling and walking in communities around Washington.

We're working with the Washington State Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions around the state  to collect valuable data about bicycling and walking in 30 cities. However, this project would not happen without the incredible volunteer support around the state.  Last year, we had hundreds of volunteers who helped count. If you’re interested in volunteering, your two-hour commitment is invaluable to this data collection. Not to mention… it's fun!  Kick back with a coffee and clipboard, relax, and observe people as they move through an intersection (and don’t forget to count them)! Sign up here.

This year, bike counts are taking place on Sept. 27, Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. And your help is needed! We have all the volunteers we need in Seattle, Spokane, Kirkland, Bothell, Shoreline, Redmond and Renton -- thank you! But more volunteers are still needed in:

  • Bellevue
  • Bothell
  • Bremerton
  • Ellensburg
  • Ferndale
  • Issaquah
  • Kelso
  • Longview
  • Mercer Island
  • Mountlake Terrace
  • Oak Harbor
  • Olympia
  • Richland
  • Shoreline
  • Tacoma
  • Vancouver
  • Walla Walla
  • Yakima

While we're doing well on volunteer recruitment, that's a pretty big list where gaps in vital data collection are at risk. The Washington State Documentation Project is an important step toward improving our system for collecting and analyzing bicycle and pedestrian data. Ultimately, this data will play a valuable role in planning, designing and funding bicycle and pedestrian projects, and will help us understand the factors that influence the levels of bicycling and walking in our communities.

Being a bicyclist is not required to help with counts! Please, volunteer. And click that "share it" button below to urge your friends, colleagues and family members to help.

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