An important function of the region’s long-range transportation planning organization is to monitor the various ways people travel through the area. That’s why each year Pima Association of Governments, with help from local volunteers, hits the road to count cyclists and pedestrians.
“The data we gather is an important piece of our regional planning activities because it helps identify possible locations for new pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements and other facilities to accommodate alternative transportation uses,” said Nicholas Gerardo, a transportation planner with PAG.
With the results of the 2025 count tabulated, some encouraging rising trends were identified in our communities.
For starters, PAG counted more people participating in cycling and walking than ever before. Nearly 16,000 cyclists and pedestrians were counted at preselected locations and times during the five-week count period. This represents a 23% increase and the highest total since the annual count began in 2008.
The participation rate among female cyclists also increased, reaching 30% of all counted, the highest ratio since counting began. More youths were riding as well, with their ridership making up 6% of the total.
The annual count also monitors cyclist and pedestrian behaviors. For instance, 74% of cyclists counted were wearing helmets. This marked an increase from previous years.
Importantly, for safety reasons, fewer people were seen riding on sidewalks or against the flow of traffic.
Counting cyclists and pedestrians on this scale requires vast coordination and the work of many people. PAG relies on volunteers to make the count a success each year. Volunteers worked at 86 sites across the region to conduct morning and afternoon counts.
“Thank you to all of our volunteers, whose time and dedication made this year’s count a success,” Gerardo said. “Your contributions help with our regional planning efforts to improve livability in our communities.”
Learn more about all the bicycle and pedestrian amenities our region has to offer, including more than 1,000 miles of bicycle lanes, routes, shared-use paths/trails and bicycle boulevards.