Pilot Protected Bike Lane Coming to Downtown

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The Anchorage Protected Bike Lane (PBL) Pilot Study is rolling out Phase 2 in Downtown Anchorage with a temporary summer-only installation on 6th Avenue and A Street from the end of May - September. The PBL Pilot Study aims to learn how protected bike lanes may be implemented to improve safe, reliable, and equitable access for all transportation users-including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers. The PBL team will be collecting survey data throughout the project duration and feedback will guide future bicycle facility improvements in Anchorage.

​In cooperation with the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is testing a variety of protected bike lane treatments that have proven successful around the country as a first step to evaluate their feasibility in Alaska. Should this summer pilot prove successful, additional funding would be pursued to explore winter design and maintenance needs before permanent year-round facilities are considered. This current project is funded entirely through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration to inform Complete Streets policy development.

"This pilot project represents a major milestone in Anchorage's and DOT&PF's shared commitment to improving bicycle safety and infrastructure in Anchorage," said Anchorage Assembly Member Daniel Volland.

A PBL is a bike lane with vertical element(s) physically separating it from vehicle travel lanes, making the bike lane more visible and improving safety for all users. PBLs are designed with the safety and comfort of cyclists of all ages and abilities in mind. In addition, PBLs have the added benefit of calming traffic and providing an additional buffer for a more comfortable and separated travel way for pedestrians and people with disabilities.

The pilot study is scheduled to run throughout the summer months from the end of May to September with a Pre-Installation Pop Up Event to take place Saturday May 11th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Town Square Park on 6th Avenue in front of the south entrance to the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Team members will distribute information, answer questions, and conduct intercept surveys throughout the corridor to gather qualitative data from cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists for future pilot projects around Anchorage.

The Summer 2024 Downtown PBL Pilot is Phase 2 of a larger study and will analyze Protected Bike Lanes (PBL) in different contexts than those tested during the Phase 1 September 2023 Pine/McCarrey Pilot. The route selected for 2024 will take place along 6th Avenue from Coastal Place to A Street, and A Street from 6th Avenue to 10th Avenue. The 2024 route is intended to test a two-way protected bike lane that reallocates the left lane of vehicle traffic and provides a connection between the Coastal Trail and the Chester Creek Trail through Downtown, expanding access to areas currently challenging to cyclists. The combination of corridors will provide a central, two-way spine of connectivity to allow cyclists safer access into and around the heart of downtown Anchorage, while minimizing the need for major intersection updates and limiting the impact on traffic operations.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity to experience a protected bike lane in Downtown Anchorage, which aligns with our efforts to revitalize downtown and support businesses and events. It may be one of the most promising ways to make biking safer and a more comfortable transportation option for everyone," said Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson.

DOT&PF Central Region Director Sean Holland said, "I look forward to the results of this pilot study and continued collaboration with the MOA to find the best solutions for creating safer streets for all Alaskans every day of the year. This low-cost research is an effective way to analyze physical changes and user experience without waiting years for capital funding to deliver."

Bike Anchorage Director Alexa Dobson says, "We are excited the location of the protected bike lane project will connect two major greenbelts the Chester Creek Trail and the Coastal Trail to the downtown core! Bike Anchorage will be hosting events throughout the summer to encourage participation in this pilot study. We are eager to hear what everyone thinks about the protected bike lanes.

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CONTACT

Brad Coy, P.E., PTOE
Traffic Engineering Director/Municipal Traffic Engineer
Municipality of Anchorage
907-343-8070