Safer Streets in Spenard

Spenard Complete Streets Coalition

Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage is working towards implementing a key component of the Anchorage Bicycle Plan by advocating for a safer Spenard Road - one that accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, disable people, and cars.

The growing business district in Spenard, home to the Bear Tooth, REI, Title Wave Books, Middleway Cafe, the Taproot, and many other thriving businesses, will be an even better destination to dine, shop, and be entertained with a safer, complete street.

The Problem

If you've ever ridden your bike or walked around the Spenard area, you've probably noticed that the sidewalks are scattered and narrow, curb cuts are not always there, and there is no bike lane.  In the winter, snow covers the sidewalks and bus riders and pedestrians often have to scramble up and over snow piles to cross streets with inadequate crosswalks.  All in all, we need a safer Spenard Road!

The Solution

One of the plans on the table calls for three-lanes of traffic in most areas, allowing room for bike lanes and bigger, safer sidewalks.  Studies show that three lanes are safer for pedestrians and motorists, and actually improve traffic flow.  We need to make sure that the Spenard Road project includes designs for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and the disabled.  This concept is called a "Complete Street."  The National Complete Streets Coalition has great information on how to design streets for all users.

Locally, Assembly Members Ernie Hall and Harriet Drummond held a series of meetings to seek input and address concerns from local businesses, residents, bike commuters, and concerned citizens.  But they need to hear from YOU that a safer Spenard Road is a priority!  Contact Ernie at 343-4115 or halle@muni.org

• The three-lane version maximizes safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and the disabled. 
• The new pedestrian and bike friendly alignment down the hill on Hillcrest to 19th Avenue, including the pedestrian and bicycle bridge is a great start!
  
• Both proposals address event parking issues in the area by opening up avenues for vehicles leaving 27th Avenue via the light at Romig Junior High School on Minnesota, but the three-lane version allows for safer turning movements for vehicles and no loss of traffic volume while making the area more friendly for shoppers and neighbors who patronize the area as a destination.
• Thank Assembly Members Ernie Hall, Harriet Drummond, and city engineering staffers for their hard work to come up with solutions to improve safety on one of Anchorage's most dangerous streets.

Read this great article by Jay Stange for more insight into the Spenard Complete Streets Coalition.

Click here for the Spenard Corridor Technical Project on the municipality's website.