Bicyclist and pedestrian count programs

Access available bike and pedestrian count data from Washington jurisdictions through our portal. Although WSDOT collects some user count data, we do not have an active pedestrian and bicyclist volume estimation program at this time.

We can learn a lot from counting how many times people walk, ride or roll past certain locations. Counts can inform road design and management decisions meant to improve the safety of people walking, biking and rolling, as well as related research. Count data may help us measure whether programs encouraging people to commute to work or school using active transportation are succeeding. Because these programs help people shift from driving vehicles to using active transportation, count data can also help us evaluate whether we’re making progress reducing greenhouse gases related to transportation.

However, research shows count data doesn’t necessarily tell us where active transportation facilities are needed. A better indicator when making walk or bike improvement decisions is to 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 and our commitment to Complete Streets recommend developing complete walk, bike, and roll networks in all population centers.

Bicyclist and pedestrian counts

WSDOT collects bicyclist and pedestrian count data from a number of permanently installed counters located throughout Washington state. Data from these counters is available to view and download through a map-based interface that includes counter location information and data visualizations showing trends in bicycle and pedestrian activity.

Bicycle and pedestrian count data portal

Bicyclist and pedestrian data collection resources

Count data collection for bicyclists and pedestrians presents unique challenges relative to other modes. Researchers, planners, and others interested in active transportation volume estimation can find more information about resources in the forthcoming FHWA publication Pedestrian & Bicycle Volume Data Collection Toolkit. This resource was in final review in early 2025 and a link will be provided here when it is published. Information about the upcoming guide is available from the Transportation Research and Education Center.