COLUMBIA, S.C. — Bicycles and pedestrians are increasingly sharing neighborhood roadways with vehicle traffic. In an effort to try and ensure the safety of cyclists, walkers and runners the City of Columbia is conducting a routine bicyclist and pedestrian count throughout Columbia.
By getting a more accurate count of how the city's roads are being used -- traffic studies often do not include pedestrians, transit riders and cyclers -- city planners can make more informed decisions on development. In counting, volunteers are also taking part in a national effort: the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project.
The City is targeting areas within the Walk Bike Columbia Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan (various locations within city limits) and the Walkable 29203 Pedestrian Master Plan (focusing on Crane Creek and North Main communities) to be counted.
After signing up, volunteers will be assigned a location to count. People can sign up for multiple time slots -- eight time slots are available, and each location must be counted once on a weekday and once on a Saturday:
- Tuesday, April 20, 7:30-9:30AM
- Wednesday, April 21, 7:30-9:30AM
- Thursday, April 22, 7:30-9:30AM
- Saturday, April 24, 10:00AM-12:00PM (noon)
- Tuesday, April 27, 7:30-9:30AM
- Wednesday, April 28, 7:30-9:30AM
- Thursday, April 29, 7:30-9:30AM
- Saturday, May 1, 10:00AM-12:00PM (noon)
To participate, volunteers can register at http://bit.ly/2021Counts.
Please note, we ask that all volunteers to take measures to protect themselves and others from the COVID-19 virus by wearing a mask and staying socially distant when conducting the counts. As a solitary and outdoor (or in-vehicle) activity, surveyors may wish to familiarize themselves with the site in advance in order to identify appropriate precautions.
If you have questions regarding the routine Bicyclist & Pedestrian Count effort, contact Planning and Development Services Department at 803-545-3181.
