DOT&PF is proposing to widen part of the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood into a sprawling four-lane divided highway plus a new frontage road. They’re calling it a safety project, but after reviewing the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA), Bike Anchorage believes the EA reads like a post-hoc justification for massive highway widening, not an objective review of the data and options.

We all want a safer Seward Highway. The problem is, there are real ways to improve safety without turning Turnagain Arm into a super-wide, super-fast racetrack, and those options were not given a fair evaluation. Here's an overview of what's wrong with the proposal:

In 2024, fifteen pedestrians were hit by drivers and killed in Anchorage. We called it a crisis, stood up a Vision Zero Task Force, held press conferences and wrote op-eds, and made a plan to reverse course.

Now, in the final weeks of 2025, we’ve actually gotten worse. Fifteen pedestrians plus one bicyclist have died on our roads so far this year, and it’s not over yet.

It’s horrible, and we’re all looking for answers. How does this keep happening? How do we stop these needless deaths? Who is to blame?

So, let’s look at the facts and figure out what’s going on so that we never see another year this deadly.

This is the first page of a policy paper prepared by Bike Anchorage on user fees and road spending. Read the full paper here.

Overview

Alaska spends more on roads than any other state in the union, and yet our road conditions are ranked among the worst. In 2021, Alaska spent $2,266 in state and local funds for every 10,000 miles driven, more than three times the national average of $659, and yet the Reason Foundation’s most recent Annual Highway Report rated Alaska’s highway system the worst in the nation. Why? Our state faces structural challenges built into our geography, our climate, and the sheer scale of the infrastructure we maintain, and the tools we use to cover these costs haven’t kept up.

The way we fund roads in the United States is described as a “user pay” system. The idea is that drivers who use the roads should pay proportionally for their upkeep through user fees like motor fuel taxes. But in Alaska, as in the rest of the country, this model has failed to deliver for decades.

Gas taxes have stayed flat even as construction and maintenance costs have climbed. Meanwhile, vehicles have become more fuel-efficient, and newer electric vehicles (EVs) use no gasoline at all. This has led some to worry that EV drivers aren’t paying their fair share—a concern sometimes extended to people who bike or walk, since those modes of transportation also don’t burn gasoline.

In practice, though, the shortfall isn’t caused by EVs, bicyclists, or anyone choosing cleaner, lighter, or more efficient ways to travel. It’s built into the structure of the system itself.

No one pays the full cost of their road use through gas taxes, not even drivers of gas-powered vehicles, and not at any level of government. It’s been this way for decades: Alaska’s state gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1970 and remains the lowest in the nation; the federal gas tax hasn’t changed since 1993. Today, less than half of all highway dollars come from fuel taxes and other user fees.

The shortfall is made up from general funds, made up of property, sales, and income taxes that are paid by everyone, regardless of whether they drive or what kind of car they have. In other words, everyone pays for our roads, not just drivers.

What causes Alaska’s road funding challenge, then? The answer is complex, but the heart of the issue is an outdated and unsustainable model that no longer reflects how people use our transportation system, or what it truly costs to maintain it.

The pages that follow explain how the current gas tax system works, how road damage really happens, and what kinds of approaches could make transportation funding more fair, efficient, and sustainable for everyone.

Read the full report here.

The Future of Fireweed Lane: Let's Get It Right!

This is an adapted version of a presentation given at Bike Anchorage's June 25, 2025 Advocacy Committee meeting.

The Municipality of Anchorage and Alaska DOT&PF are working on a major redesign of Fireweed Lane from the Seward Highway and Spenard Road. This project has huge potential, but we need your help to ensure that the final design puts safety and long-term sustainability first.

What’s the Goal?

The project’s stated goals are solid: improve safety, support walking and biking, and make Fireweed a functional, connected corridor. Unfortunately, the preliminary designs fall short of delivering on that promise.

Slide from Fireweed Open House #1, October 30, 2024.

Why Now Matters

Right now, Fireweed is mostly owned by the state. But after construction is complete, the Municipality of Anchorage will take over the entire corridor, including the responsibility for plowing and maintenance.

We’re in the early design phase; only one public open house has happened so far, in October 2024. That means public input today can make a huge difference in shaping the final design.

Our City Already Has a Plan

We don’t need to start from scratch. Anchorage has adopted multiple transportation plans that clearly lay out the vision for streets like Fireweed:

• Spenard Corridor Plan

• Anchorage Non-Motorized Plan

• Anchorage Complete Streets Policy

• Anchorage Long-Range Transportation Strategy

These plans call for:

• Protected bike lanes and sidewalk-level cycletracks

• Road diets to improve safety and use space more efficiently

• Designs that prioritize people over cars

What’s a Road Diet, and Why Do We Need One?

Overbuilt, excessively wide roads encourage speeding and dangerous driving, and are hostile to other road users like bicyclists and pedestrians. In those situations, a road diet reallocates unneeded car travel lanes to make space for sidewalks, bike facilities, and greenery. Smart design naturally enforces safe, attentive driving, and the road becomes safer for everyone. A recent example of a successful road diet in Anchorage is the north end of Spenard Road.

Road diets are:

• A Proven Safety Countermeasure endorsed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Eligible for federal funding (which the Fireweed project uses!)

• Proven to reduce crashes, save lives, and improve access for everyone

Revitalization, Not Just Repaving

Fireweed is a corridor full of schools, neighborhoods, and small businesses, with important links to the active transportation network via the Chester Creek greenbelt trail and Spenard Road. It’s also lined with aging buildings, which means redevelopment is on the horizon. A walkable, bikeable, people-friendly street will support and encourage that revitalization.

Slide from Fireweed Open House #1, October 30, 2024.

Traffic volumes on Fireweed have dropped nearly 50% over the past 20 years! We don’t need a four-lane highway here; we need a destination street that supports local life, not just car throughput.

Current Conditions Are Failing People

• Sidewalks are narrow, crumbling, and blocked by utility poles

• Driveways interrupt pedestrian space and cause dips that make sidewalks hard to use with strollers or mobility aids

• The road is unnecessarily wide and dangerous to cross

• In winter, snow blocks sidewalks and there’s nowhere safe to walk or roll

Slides from Fireweed Open House #1, October 30, 2024.

The Corridor Is Overbuilt

Slide from Fireweed Open House #1, October 30, 2024.

Current layout: 4 lanes for cars, almost no space for people.
Current traffic: just 5,000–6,500 vehicles per day.

For comparison, a four-lane road is built to handle 36,000 vehicles per day! We are massively overbuilt for actual demand.

So What Does Fireweed Actually Need?

We need a design that prioritizes:

• Safe, connected routes for walking and biking

• Driveway consolidation to reduce conflict points and allow level sidewalks

• Space for lighting, landscaping, and snow storage

• A right-sized roadway that encourages safer driving

• All within the existing right-of-way, no property acquisition needed

The Current Design Proposals Aren’t Good Enough

The preliminary designs are still prioritizing car throughput over safety and livability. They:

• Include too many vehicle lanes for actual traffic needs

• Don’t leave room for basic infrastructure like lighting or snow storage

• Rely on narrow curbs that won’t allow level sidewalks

• Add unnecessary street parking, when Fireweed is already surrounded by parking lots

We Proposed a Better Way

Bike Anchorage submitted two design alternatives that include:

• Raised cycletracks (protected, sidewalk-level bike lanes)

• Consolidated driveways and level sidewalks for better walking and biking continuity

• Room for landscaping, lighting, snow storage, and signage

• All within the existing road width

Change Is Hard—But Worth It

Contemplating a change this big can be intimidating. But in city after city, road diets like this one see strong opposition before construction, and then strong support once people experience the result. They're called Proven Safety Countermeasures for a reason!

Now’s the Time to Speak Up

Public comment is open! 

📣 What to ask for:

• A two-lane design

• Raised cycletrack for bikes

• Driveway consolidation and level sidewalks

• Room for snow storage and lighting

📝 How to comment:

• Share your thoughts with the project team at [email protected]

• Reference Bike Anchorage’s submitted letter if you want

• Share a personal story, especially if you live, work, or travel on Fireweed

Winter biking might seem intimidating, but with a little preparation, it can be a great way to get around Anchorage. We’ve collected the best tips and tricks from the Bike Anchorage team to help you transform your daily commute, get fresh air and exercise, and join the friendly community of year-round Anchorage riders.

What You Need to Start Winter Bike Commuting

Good news: You don’t need a fancy bike or expensive gear to start riding in the winter! Here’s what you do need:

✅ A bike that works for winter conditions: Almost any bike can work! Fat bikes, mountain bikes and commuter bikes can all be adapted for riding on snow and ice.
✅ A route you’re comfortable riding: Your winter route may be different from your summer route, depending on snow and maintenance conditions. Greenbelt trails, side streets, or roads with reliable plowing may be better options. Check out Bike Anchorage’s bike maps for route planning help!
✅ A backup plan: Did you know every People Mover bus has a bike rack? You can use the bus to extend your range or skip rough sections. You can even buy tickets on the app when you don’t have cash.

Dressing for Winter Riding

The key to staying warm while biking in the winter is layering. Aim to start your ride feeling a little cold--you’ll warm up as you go!

🥶 20-32ºF: This is the majority of winter, and most people can get too warm easily. Light layers and good wind protection are key.
🥶 0-20ºF: Add an extra base layer, and keep skin exposure to a minimum.
🥶 Below 0ºF: More layers, thicker gloves or pogies (handlebar mittens), and extra insulation for feet and face are a must.

Some gear that makes winter biking more comfortable:

• Softshell or shell jacket and pants to block wind and keep snow out
• Very warm boots because cold toes are the #1 winter biking complaint!
• Heated socks and insoles are a great alternative to buying a new set of boots
• Helmet cover or hat, ear band, buff to protect your head and face
• Pogies to keep hands warm without bulky gloves

Winter Bike Setup & Safety

• Lights, lights, lights! Use a steady front light to see and a flashing rear light to be seen. Anchorage’s winter daylight is short, so make sure other road and trail users can see you.
• Tires: Studded tires offer better grip on ice, but if you don’t have them, lower tire pressure can help because it increases contact with the ground.
• Carrying your stuff: Backpacks are a well-loved classic for a reason, but on longer or bumpier rides, it’s nice to keep weight off your back. Try panniers, a basket, or even a trailer to make transporting gear easier.
• Repair kit essentials: A multitool, pump, patch kit, extra layer, and hand warmers can save the day.

Taking Your Time & Finding Your Route

Winter biking isn’t about speed! It’s about stability and safety.
🚴‍♂️ Take turns slower and give yourself extra stopping distance. Your tires have the most contact and grip when the bike is perpendicular to the ground (straight up and down).
🚴‍♂️ Remember, your winter route may not be your summer route! Trails, plowed sidewalks, or side streets might be better options than busy roads.
🚴‍♂️ Use these tools to check the status of streets and trails:

• Municipal snow plow status with live GPS tracking  (“Trackless” = sidewalk plow)
• State-maintained road and sidewalk priority maps   
• Parks & Recreation trail info & grooming status map 
• Alaska Outdoor Report for crowdsourced trail conditions in the Anchorage area and beyond 

Finding Bike Parking in Winter

Looking for a place to lock up? Check out Bike Anchorage’s bike parking map to find racks around town. But be aware: many bike racks may not be maintained in winter and can be buried in snow. If you see a bike rack that has been abandoned to a snow pile, speak up! Let business owners or property managers know that people still need bike parking year-round.

More Tools & Resources

📌 Bike Anchorage Commuting Tools:

• Bike Maps: Plan the best route for your commute
• Bike Parking Map: Find bike racks around town (but check for snow!)
• Rules of the Road & Trail Etiquette: Know your rights and responsibilities

📌 Learn More, Online and In Person:

• Shifter: Great Youtube channel from an urban rider in Vancouver   

• Off the Chain: Anchorage’s community bike co-op for DIY repairs

📌 Ways to Advocate for Better Winter Biking

• Write to your elected officials about the importance of better winter biking infrastructure. Email all Assembly members here, find your local representatives here, and find your state representatives here.
• Join Bike Anchorage! We’re a small, scrappy nonprofit working hard to make Anchorage more bike-friendly. If you find this work valuable, help us keep it up! Become a member or get involved in advocacy: Bike Anchorage Advocacy Committee
• Report snow removal issues:
  • Municipal paths (MOA): (907) 343-7569
  • State-maintained roads (DOT): (907) 338-1466
  • Sidewalks blocked by snow berms? Use #ANCWorks → Right of Way Concern → Fill out a service request

Questions? Comments?

We hope this explainer has been helpful and inspiring! If you have any questions, need more help getting started, or just want to get more involved with Bike Anchorage, we’d love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at [email protected]!

Speak Up For Safe Streets: Submit Your Comments Now

Anchorage has faced a tragic spate of pedestrian fatalities on state-owned roads this month; in the span of just one week, four people were hit and killed by drivers while they were crossing the street. These roads were designed to move as many cars, as quickly as possible, and they have become deadly for people walking and biking. Anchorage's rate of traffic violence is alarmingly high, and this has to change.

Our Call to Action

On Wednesday, Bike Anchorage sent a letter to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) calling for urgent action. We outlined the key factors contributing to these recent fatalities and offered practical, proven solutions to improve road safety for all users - including those who walk, bike, take transit, and drive. Here’s a summary of the most critical points:

Key Factors Contributing to Dangerous Roads:

1. Road design that prioritizes car speed over pedestrian safety.
2. Lack of frequent, safe crossings, forcing pedestrians to take risks.
3. High-speed traffic and wide roads, which increase the likelihood and severity of crashes.

Solutions That Work
Approaches like telling pedestrians to wear more reflective clothing, or stepping up police patrols to issue more speeding citations, only address the symptoms without solving the root cause. Instead, we're advocating for the implementation of safety countermeasures proven by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to prevent traffic violence and save lives. These include:

• Reducing vehicle speeds by implementing low-cost, quick-build road diets that naturally enforce safer speeds.
• Installing more frequent crosswalks and pedestrian beacons, improving their function, and protecting pedestrians when they're in the crosswalk.
• Adding protected bike lanes and other bike/pedestrian infrastructure that creates safe routes and also calms traffic.

While some of these solutions are directly under DOT&PF's control, others will require collaboration with the Municipality of Anchorage. Therefore, we also called on DOT&PF to make administrative changes to better coordinate with the Municipality and unlock access to funding and resources for long-delayed safety projects.

What Can You Do?

We need your voice. DOT&PF needs to hear from the people who use these roads every day—the people who walk, bike, or use transit. You can help by sending your own message to DOT&PF calling for safer streets. Feel free to reference the points we raised in our letter, or share your personal experience. Whether you've felt unsafe crossing a busy road or unwelcome riding your bike alongside speeding vehicles, your story matters.

Click here to access our template letter, or write your own.

This is a time of change, and with your support, we can help create a safer, more accessible community for everyone. Let’s work together to ensure no more lives are lost on our streets.