One of the biggest hurdles facing local advocates of building more multi-modal transportation infrastructure such is as sidewalks and bike lanes is a shortage of data. In order to help determine the need for improvements, the city of Asheville is seeking volunteers to help take a count of those currently using local sidewalks, bike lanes and greenways.

“The numbers of bicyclists and pedestrians using specific corridors and intersections is crucial to understanding and planning for people who walk and bike,” according to a press release from the city of Asheville. “Over three days, volunteers will count pedestrians and bicyclists at designated intersections. The data is an important factor in estimating demand and activity. The more people who participate, the more locations get counted.”

The city is partnering with the UNC Center for Health and Wellness at UNC Asheville as well as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task force on the effort.

Those interested in volunteering to help with the count are urged to attend a 30 minute training session at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center, Monday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.

The count dates are Sept. 10-12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in school zones).

Anyone who wants to participate but cannot attend training sessions can contact astaplet@unca.edu or lstradle@unca.edu for information.