I just received an e-mail from Sarah Wallace of the Portage County Planning and Zoning Dept.  She is looking for volunteers to count bicycle and foot traffic for a few hours at selected locations around Portage County – most (but not all) within Stevens Point.

These counts contribute to the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Demonstration Project.  The NBPD website states that these counts are important because “Without accurate and consistent [bicycle and pedestrian] demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of investments in these modes…”

Having this count data helps local governments make good and fair decisions on how to spend limited dollars on multi-modal transportation infrastructure for the overall benefit of their citizens.

Portage County performed its first NBPD count last September, and Wallace is arranging for the next count to take place on May 15th from 3:15 PM – 5:45 PM.  (The rain date is May 16th.)  Even if you are not trained in how to perform these counts, you can be paired with a trained volunteer (you’ll learn how to count pretty quickly) and help out.

If you want to volunteer, contact Sarah Wallace at 715-346-1334.

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