We Count! Get Involved in the Bike/Ped Documentation Project

Guest post by Grace Pooley

Out on the streets, we can all tell the number of bicyclists is growing. But, to gain the recognition we deserve, that rise needs to be backed by hard data.

That’s why Alta Planning + Design developed the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. According to Alta: “Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of investments in these modes, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile… This nationwide effort provides consistent model of data collection and ongoing data for use by planners, governments, and bicycle and pedestrian professionals.”

By creating the resources and tools to conduct counts, the Project is making it easier for advocates and professionals to gather data to make the case for current and future bike paths, lanes and other facilities for bicycles and pedestrians. By collecting that data from communities nationwide, the Project also hopes to illuminate differences in overall trends in biking and walking based on regions’ demography, geography, and land use. The end result: A rich resource for planners and researchers alike that showcases the community benefits and rising popularity of biking and walking.

But the Project needs you! The official dates for the next nationwide count are coming up, September 11-13.

Alta has created everything you need – from instructions to surveys to volunteer training presentations – to contribute to this exciting national initiative. Learn more and get involved at www.bikepeddocumentation.org.