Volunteers are needed again this September for the annual state bicycle and pedestrian count, a snapshot of walking and bicycling in communities across Washington state.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Cascade Bicycle Club are looking for more than 300 volunteers to help conduct the fifth annual survey. Organizations like FeetFirst and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington will also participate to help count the numbers of people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks and other facilities on Sept. 25, 26 and 27.

“Volunteers are key to the success of this project,” said Ian Macek, WSDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

“With their help, we are able to count bicycle and pedestrians in 35 cities across the state,” he said. “The counts help us more accurately gauge where pedestrian and bicycle trails and lanes are being used, and where they are needed.”

Past surveys showed that bicycle use is highest on trails, bridges and in downtown areas. The highest pedestrian counts were recorded near universities, in downtowns, near transit stations and in neighborhoods with mixed residential and commercial areas.

This year’s count will include Bainbridge Island, and people interested in helping can learn more by visiting WSDOT’s bicycling website, or by contacting Cascade Bicycle Club at tessa.greegor@cascadebicycleclub.org or 206-204-0913.

The information gathered will be used to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington. In addition, WSDOT’s survey will become 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.