Volunteers are needed in Redmond 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 from communities around the state, including Redmond, 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.

Volunteers interested in helping can learn more by visiting WSDOT’s Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Count.htm, or by contacting Cascade Bicycle Club at tessa.greegor@cascadebicycleclub.org or calling (206) 204-0913.