About the PBL Study
Final Report and Research Presentation
The Anchorage PBL Pilot Study Final Report and Final Research Presentation are now available.
Anchorage Protected Bike Lanes (PBL) Pilot Study
In cooperation with the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) tested a variety of protected bike lane treatments that have proven successful around the country to evaluate their feasibility in Alaska. The project was funded entirely through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why a pilot study?
Pilot Studies allow testing of new types of bikeways without the cost, time, or impact of a full road project. This study will document the process and gather data and community input to inform future decisions.
What do you hope to learn?
- How PBLs might affect speeds, volumes, and safety along the road for all users.
- How might PBLs affect residences and businesses?
- Will PBLs draw different cyclists who wouldn’t otherwise ride in these corridors?
- How much does it cost to plan, implement, maintain, remove, and document a pilot?
- Are pilots effective ways of evaluating potential projects and obtaining community input that should be utilized more often?
How much does the pilot study cost?
MOA Traffic Engineering is completing this pilot study through a $1M federal grant administered through DOT&PF for planning, implementation, maintenance, removal, analysis, and documentation.
What are the next steps after the pilot project?
The findings of the study will inform ongoing Downtown Streets Engineering Study, W. 32nd and E. 33rd Upgrades project, and future policy discussions about feasibility, cost, and public support of PBLs.
How do protected bike lanes work in the winter?
The pilot will be installed only during the summer and will include discussions about winter-compatible materials and maintenance equipment needs. A future study (such as a winter pilot) would be needed to understand the operation and cost of maintaining a permanent PBL in the winter.
Current Anchorage Bike Improvement Project
32nd & 33rd Avenue Upgrades Project
The Municipality of Anchorage is evaluating upgrades to the W. 32nd Ave and E. 33rd Ave Corridor that runs west-east through Midtown Anchorage from Spenard Road to Old Seward Highway. The purpose of this project is to enhance safety and accessibility for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists by implementing Complete Streets design standards as recommended by the Anchorage Vision Zero Steering Committee.
Learn more about the 33nd & 33rd Avenue Upgrades Project on the project website
