D.O.T. Conducting Bicyclist and Pedestrian Survey (09/21/09)

According to the Seattle Times, volunteers across Washington State will be out on street corners next week counting the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations.

The information will be used to track progress toward the state's goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of cars on the road.

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is doing this count as 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, and to determine progress toward its goal of increasing nonmotorized trips.

The DOT and the Cascade Bicycle Club have enlisted volunteers and organizations such as FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to count the numbers of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks and other routes on Sept. 29 and 30 and Oct. 1.

Those who are interested in helping can learn more by visiting DOT's Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Count.htm, or by e-mailing Cascade Bicycle Club at organizer@cascadebicycleclub.org or calling 206-957-0689.