Wonder how many people are bicycling or walking? Help count!

| How to help | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from the state Department of Transportation – a call to help with an official count of bicyclists and walkers in early October – read on for the announcement, and how you can sign up to help:

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.”

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.

RJB September 14, 2010 (12:28 pm)

I guess this is a good post for me to step on my soapbox. I have lived back in W Seattle now for just a year after living on “the hill” for 12. I have to say, West Seattle drivers are not the best. I am an avid walker and love the fact that the Westside has so many options for walkers, except car drivers. I have been almost hit more times than I can count now, mostly crossing the street when I have the light. It is illegal to drive through a crosswalk while a person is crossing….please remember this and watch out for walkers!!! Thanks!!

StephenHJ September 14, 2010 (12:38 pm)

In response to RJB (on my own soap box) I have seen many people cross 35th when the light changes to allow left turns from Avalon. It says “DON’T WALK” people… The drivers have the right of way, so just wait your turn.

Oh, and it’s actually technically jaywalking if you begin to cross after the crosswalk indicator starts blinking “DON’T WALK”.

Jill Loblaw September 14, 2010 (3:34 pm)

And, one more reminder that during the early hours of the morning in the approaching autumn with less light overall, it is much harder to see pedestrians or bicyclists. Wear reflective gear, especially if you are dressed in dark clothes. And motorists, please be extra vigilant.

berge September 14, 2010 (4:28 pm)

Too bad they are counting in October when biker and walker numbers are going to be lower…

Silly Goose September 14, 2010 (5:23 pm)

If you would still like to cut down on the amount of cars on the road and don’t own a vehicle and you don’t mind ride sharing then there is a cool new company getting ready to launch October 1st called Zebigo it is all about ride sharing with someone that is heading to the same location or about the same location as you. Check it out and ride share while the bicycles are hung up for the winter.

marty September 14, 2010 (6:06 pm)

Silly Goose: Ride share makes a whole lot more sense than spending big bucks for bike traffic in a city that has rain 70% of the year.

newnative September 14, 2010 (6:35 pm)

I don’t see how discussing jay walking is a response to RJB’s comments. I have had many close calls in crosswalks with a walk signal as well. I walk and ride regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, I go to work. That is life in Seattle.

Bryan F September 15, 2010 (12:29 am)

Too bad, I will be out of town during the traffic count period – and I think this is a great effort.

I work downtown and witness subpar behavior by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. We definitely could use better infrastructure (like separated bike lines, improved crossings, etc.), but mainly we could just be a whole lot more patient and tolerant with each other. Also, since I primarily walk and cycle, I always assume a motorist is going to do something unwise or unsafe at intersections – you will almost certainly lose in a collision with a car, regardless of whether you have the right of way or not. As my mom used to say “Don’t be dead right!”

GenHillOne September 15, 2010 (11:33 am)

Let’s also throw out that this time of the year, when we have the rare sunny day (like yesterday), the rising/setting sun can make it very difficult to see when you’re travelling east-west. Last night I was using sunglasses, car visor, and my hand while going slower than usual and still scared myself and a mom because she & her toddler were out in front of me in an instant. I was trying to be careful, but would probably have been at fault because I just couldn’t see – AND I would have felt terrible if something had happened. Maybe just a little reminder that if you see a car coming up the hill, they might not be able to see you and hesitating just a few seconds before stepping into the street could avoid disaster.

RJB September 15, 2010 (3:50 pm)

I agree with you all, don’t jaywalk, use caution and watch out of each other. I too have seen people cross 35th and Avalon when they shouldnt because they cannot wait that extra 30 seconds for the “walk” sign…we should all just slow down alittle, life is fast as is.