City of Asheville seeks volunteers for pedestrian/bike count

The City of Asheville, in cooperation with the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force and other community partners, will conduct its annual two-hour counts of pedestrians and bicyclists on Sept. 12, 13, 14 and 16.

And we need volunteers to help!

It is easy and important — how often do you get that combination?

Volunteers are asked to spend two hours, either 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 a.m. on a weekday or two hours on Saturday morning counting at a pre-determined location, and then email or snail mail your counts to project manager Till Dohse. That, along with about 30 minutes of training beforehand, is your total commitment, and the outcome is totally awesome: Real data we can use to help make decisions and to begin to track trends in walking and bicycling.

“Busy intersection” is a great description, but “over 1,400 pedestrians through that intersection in two hours on a weekday” is even better.

It can’t happen without you. If you or your group can help, you can sign up here. Or email Till Dohse, volunteer project manager at till.dohse@gmail.com. Training will be held on the Friday and Monday before the count. Pick either day. Thanks in advance for helping!

For more information, contact Asheville Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Coordinator Barb Mee at 828-232-4540 or BMee@ashevillenc.gov.