In its attempt to continue its moniker of being the most bike friendly city in the nation (and one that still has many steps to go), the City of Long Beach is requesting volunteers to help conduct its annual bike count.

For the fifth year in a row, the city – along with organizers from Cal State Long Beach – is asking volunteers to count bicyclists and pedestrians at more than 35 locations throughout the city. Last year’s event had more than 300 volunteers collecting statistics, which are eventually incorporated into making bike/ped infrastructure improvements.

“These counts help our city acquire a better understanding of locations of bike and pedestrian activity, and which areas and infrastructure are used the most,” Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal said in a statement regarding last year’s count. “Ultimately, the counts will help determine where bike and pedestrian improvements need to be made.”

The count is to be held on Thursday, October 18, and Sunday, October 21, with various time slots and location choices; those under the age of 18 are permitted to partake in the count with parental permission.

To volunteer for the count:

Step 1: Select your day of volunteer training, to be no longer than 30 minutes, on one of the following days:

• Tuesday, October 16 at the CSULB Vivian Engineering Center, Room 224. Times include 12:00pm, 2:00pm, or 5:30pm
• Wednesday, October 17, Long Beach City Hall, 10th Floor Conference Room. Times include 8:00am or 9:00am

Step 2: Register online at www.csulb.edu/rideshare by Monday, October 15 to let the city know of which volunteer training you’ll be attending.

Step 3: Begin counting on either:

• Thursday, October 18. Time slots include 7:00am to 9:00am or 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Sunday, October 21. Time slot is from noon to 2:00pm.

Step 4: Drop off your completed count forms and – at least according to the City’s press release – be showered with appreciation (I’m pretty sure it’ll be a pat on the back for, much like my masters in the arts, its an intellectual and civic endeavor).