Bike and pedestrian count happening now – you can help

The Regional Transportation Authority’s 20-year plan includes infrastructure improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, and right now you can contribute to future planning efforts for those modes.

The Pima Association of Governments, which manages the RTA, is conducting its annual regional bicycle and pedestrian count to gather data on how those non-motorized users use our transportation system.

How the data affects the region

The information gathered in the annual count is used to help plan improvements, such as those for pedestrian and bicycling facilities and safety improvements in the RTA plan.

Voters approved the plan and half-cent excise tax to fund it in 2006. In addition to including major roadway corridor projects, which incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, the plan funds improvements in the safety category and the environmental and economic vitality category.

To date, the jurisdictions in the metro area have completed 76 pedestrian crossings out of the 80 promised in the RTA ballot measure; 179 of 250 miles of new sidewalks promised, and 366 of 550 miles of new bike lanes promised.

The annual bike and pedestrian count helps guide decisions about where and how to implement such improvements.

Trends, patterns and issues detected in the count can show what’s working (pedestrians who use marked crossings), what issues might be approached with outreach and education (bike helmet usage) and what issues may require design changes (cyclists riding on sidewalks where there are no bike lanes).

How to participate

1) Visit the sign up page to see which locations and times are available.

2) Sign up for one or more shifts that work best for you. Weekday morning shifts are from 7 to 9 a.m., weekday evening shifts are from 4 to 6 p.m., weekend shifts are on Saturday or Sunday from 7 to 10 a.m.

3) Complete the online training.

4) Perform a count at your designated location.

5) Submit your tally by email or mail.

COVID-19 safety measures are in place during the 2021 count. To ensure the safety of all volunteers, masks are required where physical distancing is not possible. Additionally, volunteers will work alone and not be required to participate in any in-person activities aside from performing the count. All count locations are outdoors and allow volunteers to maintain a safe distance from others.

Click here to sign up now.