Town Seeks Volunteers to Help Document Trail Usage

The town is seeking volunteers for annual survey of pedestrian and bicycle traffic along the Farmington River Trail and a few intersections in Collinsville. 

This will be the fourth year Canton has participated in the effort, coordinated by the Capital Region Council of Governments and local officials. This year counts take place from Sept. 8 to 16 in the greater capital area. Data will also be sent to the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Data Collection program

"This data is very useful in helping us understand the type and quantity of usage of our existing facilities, how that usage changes over time, and allows us to plan as future changes are proposed in proximity to our existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities," Canton town planner Neil Pade wrote in an e-mail seeking volunteers. 

Locations will likely include 

• Bridge and Front streets
• Center Street and Maple Avenue 
• Farmington River Trail at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Allen Place 
• Farmington River Trail at Route 44. 

Pade said the data can include many factors such as male and female users, particular types of use, such as rollerblades or skateboarders, and even safety measures, including whether users activate the flashing warning lights where they exist and if drivers heed the signals. 

In Canton counts will be conducted:

• Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. 
• Sunday, Sept. 16 from noon to 2 p.m. 

Anyone interested in helping can contact Pade at npade@townofcantonct.org  or (860) 693-7891.