Asheville, NC, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The city of Asheville is calling for volunteers to help with its annual bike and pedestrian data collection following Labor Day. This initiative is aimed at gathering important data to enhance the city’s Greenways, Access, and Pedestrian (GAP) Plan. Volunteers can assist through bike counts or user surveys, contributing to safety improvements across the city. No prior experience is necessary, and interested individuals can sign up online or via text.
Asheville Looking for Volunteers for Annual Bike and Pedestrian Data Collection
The city of Asheville is currently seeking volunteers to assist with its annual bike and pedestrian data collection, which will take place during the week following Labor Day. This initiative aims to gather essential data to support the city’s Greenways, Access, and Pedestrian (GAP) Plan and to better identify trends in multimodal activity throughout the region.
Collected data will play a vital role in guiding safety improvement projects across Asheville, helping city planners and officials to make informed decisions that enhance the safety and usability of biking and walking paths.
Volunteers may choose to participate in one of two ways: conducting bike and pedestrian counts or engaging in a greenway user survey. The counts will involve tallying non-motorized street users at designated locations, which will contribute to a clearer understanding of how many people utilize the city’s bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Event Schedule
Weekday counts are scheduled to occur from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with some locations available for counts from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Additionally, Saturday counts are set for September 13, running from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In the event of rain on Tuesday, September 9, the surveys will be rescheduled to Thursday, September 11.
No Experience Necessary
No prior experience or special skills are required for individuals interested in volunteering. The city is especially looking for volunteers to conduct surveys along the Wilma Dykeman and Reed Creek Greenways. These surveys aim to gather data on user behaviors and assess the economic impact of the greenways, further informing city officials about community needs and preferences.
How to Sign Up
Interested individuals can sign up online through a registration link provided by the city or by texting “2025count” to 73224. City staff will attempt to accommodate location preferences but ask volunteers to remain flexible. While there is no strict deadline for signing up, sites will likely be assigned by early September, and volunteers will receive a confirmation email with further instructions upon registration.
For any questions regarding the volunteer process or the data collection effort, individuals can reach out to Anna Sexton via email at [email protected].
Background Context
This annual data collection effort is part of Asheville’s ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors. By systematically collecting and analyzing data on bike and pedestrian traffic, the city can better understand current usage patterns, which in turn can help prioritize infrastructure improvements and promote a safer, more walkable community.
Key Features of the Volunteer Opportunity
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Week after Labor Day |
| Volunteer Activities | Bike and pedestrian count, Greenway user survey |
| Weekday Count Times | 5 PM – 7 PM, 7 AM – 9 AM (some locations) |
| Saturday Count Time | September 13, 9 AM – 11 AM |
| Experience Required | No prior experience necessary |
| Registration Method | Online registration link or text “2025count” to 73224 |
| Questions | Contact Anna Sexton at [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the data collection?
The data collected will help inform the city’s GAP Plan and guide safety improvement projects.
When will the data collection take place?
The counts will occur the week after Labor Day, with specific activities scheduled for the evening and Saturday morning of that week.
How can I volunteer?
You can sign up through an online registration link or by texting “2025count” to 73224.
Do I need prior experience to volunteer?
No, there is no prior experience required to participate as a volunteer.
What should I do if it rains?
If it rains on Tuesday, the surveys will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 11.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Seeks Volunteers for Annual Bike and Pedestrian Data Collection
- 828 News Now: Asheville Wants Volunteers to Track Bike and Pedestrian Activity
- WLOS: Kamala Harris Fighting Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour in Asheville
- 828 News Now: Asheville Police Ask for Help Finding Missing Woman
- Wikipedia: Volunteer
- Google Search: Asheville volunteer programs
- Britannica: Pedestrian Safety
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
