The West Dowling Road extension project is currently taking comments.
At first glance, the schematics for the project look pretty good for bicyclists
and pedestrians. There is a 6 foot wide shoulder and a multi-use path.
The shoulder however WILL NOT be striped as a bike lane if DOT gets its way.
DOT is asserting that they will not paint bike lanes unless the Municipality
agrees to maintain the on-road bike lane painted striping and markings.
However, DOT has no such requirements for the other on-road stripings for
the motor vehicle lanes. This is a DOT project and a DOT maintained road.
Federal Department of Transportation policy set out by
Secretary LaHood that requires state DOTs to treat bicycle and pedestrian
transportation equal with motor vehicle transportation.
You can learn more about the project here and
http://www.dowlhkm.com/projects/wdowlingroad/home.htm
Submit your comments here. They can be brief. Just let them know they need to
include bike lanes. DOT has already stated that they haven’t heard from many
folks on this project. Lets change that!
http://www.dowlhkm.com/projects/wdowlingroad/Comments.htm .
Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage
{Note: Original message has been slightly edited by the ABC to be more informational in nature}