Fast Planning to count bicyclists and pedestrians, and volunteers are needed

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Every year during the last week of May, Fast Planning conducts an annual bicycle and pedestrian count.

36 different intersections between Fairbanks and North Pole will be monitored by volunteers for two hours sometime between May 24th and 26th.

The data being collected will help the city gauge where community members are moving to and from the most.

The goal is to identify areas where improvements for sidewalks and paths are most needed based on the number of people counted within the three days of gathering data.

Jackson Fox, the executive director for Fast Planning says it’s important to utilize these paths and sidewalks, as the ones used most from the surveying will have a better chance at being fixed up.

“The numbers of bicycles and pedestrians on these facilities more than doubled,” Fox said. “People working from home and getting out and getting some exercise, you know, things of that nature. But now, what we’re seeing this year is that those numbers are dropping and getting back to more of the pre-pandemic levels.”

If you’re interested in volunteering for the event, Fast Planning is looking for about 10-15 more volunteers who - for their services - will receive some or all of the following items: REI gear, a water bottle, stickers, and even a yellow safety vest.

For more information or to sign up, email Jackson Fox at jackson.fox@fastplanning.us or call (907) 205-4276.

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