Volunteers needed for annual count of bicyclists and pedestrians

It's become an autumn tradition: the annual survey of bicyclists and pedestrians in Washington. For the fourth year in a row, volunteers are needed to help the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Cascade Bicycle Club take a statistical snapshot of the number of people who get around by walking and biking.

The count takes place September 27, 28 and 29. It's part of the National Documentation Project sponsored by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Pedestrian and Bicycle Council. WSDOT is working to increase biking and walking in order to decrease automobile traffic, and the count will help measure how much progress is being made.

According to Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond:

 “The information volunteers collect helps ensure that we are investing transportation dollars on priority projects, in locations where they are needed most.”

Volunteers for the count are needed in 28 cities across the state, including Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Everett. You can sign up by contacting the WSDOT.