Bicyclist and pedestrian count programs

Program overview

We collect bicyclist and pedestrian count data throughout Washington state. Walk and bike count data is valuable in understanding safety and mobility outcomes based on exposure. When making walk or bike improvement decisions use potential demand, based on the density and value of the places to go in the vicinity of the project location rather than walk or bike counts. We do not emphasize existing demand as a primary basis for investment. WSDOT’s Active Transportation Plan recommends developing complete walk, bike and roll networks in all population centers.

Permanent bicyclist and pedestrian count program

We collect bicycle and pedestrian count data from over 60 permanent count locations throughout Washington state. Statewide permanent bicycle and pedestrian count data is available and can be downloaded from the links below. These sites also may be owned by local jurisdictions.

Short duration bicyclist and pedestrian count program

We collect short-duration walk, bike and roll count data. Short duration manual count data was historically collected by volunteers as part of the Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, which is similar to the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. That data is available and can be viewed through the count portal linked below. WSDOT has developed the Collecting Network-wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Data Guidebook (PDF 4MB) for conducting short-duration counts that provides a better understanding of active transportation activities across a network.

Bicyclist and pedestrian count data portal

View our bicycle and pedestrian count sites and the associated data that is being collected in Washington state. This map interface includes both permanent and short duration locations and data.

Bicycle and pedestrian count data portal

Permanent bicyclist and pedestrian counter data

Download data from our network of permanent bicycle and pedestrian count locations throughout Washington state.

Download permanent bicycle and pedestrian counter data

Bicyclist and pedestrian volume estimation

Count data collection for bicyclists and pedestrians presents unique challenges relative to other modes. Current research efforts are underway that look to incorporate permanent count data, short-duration count data and crowd-sourced data into models based on densities of destinations and other factors. Such models have the potential to provide better estimates of bicyclist and pedestrian volumes across roadway networks.