Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
02/18/2025 01:30 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Community Public Safety Along Alaskan Roadways | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 18, 2025
1:30 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Ashley Carrick, Co-Chair
Representative Ted Eischeid, Co-Chair
Representative Genevieve Mina
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative Elexie Moore
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Cathy Tilton
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: COMMUNITY PUBLIC SAFETY ALONG ALASKAN ROADWAYS
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Bike and
Pedestrian Safety."
PAM GOLDEN, State Traffic and Safety Engineer
Design and Construction Standards
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Bike and
Pedestrian Safety."
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:30:35 PM
CO-CHAIR TED EISCHEID called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Representatives Stutes,
Moore, Eischeid, and Carrick were present at the call to order.
Representatives McCabe and Mina arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
^PRESENTATION: Community Public Safety Along Alaskan Roadways
PRESENTATION: Community Public Safety Along Alaskan Roadways
1:31:42 PM
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID announced that the only order of business
would be a presentation by the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities on public safety along Alaska's roadways.
1:32:08 PM
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director, Office of the
Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOT&PF), co-presented a PowerPoint, titled "Bike and Pedestrian
Safety" [hard copy included in the committee packet]. On slide
2, she spoke to the percentage of Alaskans who are active
transportation users, noting Alaska's high ranking among other
states in the country. She noted that DOT&PF has an Active
Transportation Long Range Plan.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID expressed surprise that Alaskans would rank
high among other states in the country.
MS. MCCARTHY concurred, adding that the data is from the U.S.
Census Bureau. She expressed the understanding that walking to
work would be easier in small villages.
MS. MCCARTHY asked the committee if they knew anyone who had
been involved in a serious car crash, and she noted that over 50
percent of the committee responded in the affirmative. She
pointed out the fatality statistics on slide 3, and she
aknowledged that this represents a roadway problem. She stated
that the presentation would focus on vulnerable road users, such
as bicyclists and pedestrians. She pointed out that over a 5-
year period, 70 pedestrians had lost their lives from a car
crash. She noted that the data on the slide has been verified,
adding that Alaska's small population would affect these
statistics.
1:36:33 PM
MS. MCCARTHY, in response to a question from Representative
Stutes, said that these fatality statistics would include
drivers who were running redlights or speeding.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID questioned whether the fatality category of
"lane departure" would only refer to distracted drivers.
PAM GOLDEN, State Traffic and Safety Engineer, Design and
Construction Standards, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, responded that "lane departure" could refer to
changing lanes in an urban setting; however, she noted that the
fatalities in this category mostly reflect accidents in rural
communities, where cars have run off the road. She noted that
law enforcement would report this data at the time of the crash.
She stated that distracted driving is "a tough nut to crack," as
this can only be determined if law enforcement saw the accident
in real time. She added that distracted driving is not
currently reported at the federal level.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID commented that he has witnessed distracted
drivers in his community.
1:39:57 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to the statistics on slide 4, and she pointed
out that because of the state's low population, pedestrian
fatalities are overrepresented. She explained that pedestrians
are involved in only 2 percent of the car crashes in the state,
but they represent between 15 to 20 percent of all fatalities.
She indicated that many of these fatalities have occurred in
Anchorage.
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 5, and she explained that bicycle
crashes on the roadway would be reported differently than
crashes with pedestrians. She pointed out that even though
there were few fatalities, there have been many crashes with
bicyclists. Out of the average 95 crashes a year, over 75
percent of bicycle crashes had occurred in Anchorage. She noted
that while total bicycle crashes were declining, the fatalities
are increasing.
MS. GOLDEN co-presented the PowerPoint, titled "Bike and
Pedestrian Safety." She pointed out that pedestrian crashes are
higher in the fall and winter months, as seen in the statistics
on slide 6. She suggested that low light and weather conditions
would play into these high statistics. She noted that the peak
for these crashes would be during the evening commute. She
pointed out a pie chart on slide 7, which showed that 70 percent
of crashes occur in Anchorage. She quoted statistics from other
high population areas in the state.
1:44:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE requested a breakdown of pedestrian
crashes in Anchorage over the last four years, in relation to
the reduced jaywalking law. He also requested data on
pedestrian crashes in relation to homeless camps, and he
discussed how these camps could create pedestrian accidents. He
expressed the opinion that these types of accidents could be "a
significant part" of the high fatalities in 2024.
CO-CHAIR CARRICK, per slide 7, requested information on these
statistics. She questioned the pedestrian commuter traffic in
Anchorage versus other urban areas in the state. She pointed
out that the NorthStar Borough does not have the same
"worldclass" commuter trails as Anchorage; therefore, the number
of pedestrian commuters in Fairbanks would be less.
MS. GOLDEN expressed uncertainty, noting that the department has
not tracked this. She offered to follow up after the meeting
with an answer.
CO-CHAIR CARRICK suggested that pedestrian crashes would
increase in Fairbanks if there were more of a commuter network.
1:49:13 PM
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 8. She indicated that the deadliest
month for pedestrians on the road system in over a decade was
last September in Anchorage. She stated that attention has been
brought to this issue and its contributing factors. She moved
to slide 9 and spoke about the department's Safe Systems
Approach in Anchorage, pointing out that this is the foundation
for the Strategic Highway Plan. She stated that this system is
based on creating redundancies, so a single mistake would not
likely cause someone to lose a life.
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Representative Mina,
moved to slide 10 and spoke about the creation of the Vision
Zero Task Force. She stated that the task force consists of the
Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Municipality of
Anchorage, Anchorage Metropolitan Transportation Solutions
(AMATS) and DOT&PF. She stated that APD would explore the
contributing factors to the crashes so the task force could
determine commonalities. She noted that driving speeds are an
important factor, along with the number of available lanes. She
expressed the understanding that changing a speed limit sign
would not necessarily change the speed that people would drive.
She suggested that the road should be changed, not the sign, and
she discussed the concept of "target speed." She explained that
the task force would prioritize the needed actions by
investigating the problem roadways.
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Representative Mina,
said the Vision Zero Task Force would determine the priority
list. In response to a follow-up question, she indicated that
options to address the pedestrian fatalities would include speed
limit changes and the use of traffic cones. Concerning any
other options, she said that nothing would be "off the table at
this point," as all proven safety measures are being considered.
She expressed the importance of making meaningful changes, not
necessarily quick changes.
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 11 and discussed Anchorage's
Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment. She stated that the
plan was published in 2022, and it identified the "high injury
network," as seen on the map. She pointed out the corridors and
intersections listed on the slide.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE expressed the understanding that the
problem areas are the east and west corridors. He opined that
if commuters were the problem, it would be reflected in the
north and south corridors.
MS. GOLDEN stated that the slide shows reported crash data from
areas with repeated problems. She added that the calculation is
data driven.
1:57:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA questioned the factors that determine the
priority list.
MS. GOLDEN responded that any sort of injury or fatality crash
would determine the priority list. In response to a follow-up
question from Co-Chair Eischeid, she stated that these would
include both pedestrians and bicyclists.
MS. MCCARTHY, in response to a question from Co-Chair Carrick,
said that when the police investigate crashes, they would
determine whether there is a line-of-sight issue. If so, DOT&PF
would be contacted, and it would take action. In response to a
follow-up question, she stated that when an individual reports
an issue, an engineer would make an inspection.
MS. GOLDEN noted her previous work experience for the department
and explained that department crews would measure the line-of-
sight distances; however, sometimes the homeowner would need to
correct the problem. She stated that the task force would
address quick-response projects, including clearing brush.
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 12 and pointed out that there are
proven safety countermeasures specific to bicyclists and
pedestrians. She stated that crosswalk visibility would include
rectangular flashing beacons, road diets, and improved lighting.
2:03:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE questioned the use of temporary bike
lanes, and he suggested that these could create issues for
pedestrians once the temporary lanes are removed for the winter.
MS. MCCARTHY responded that a later slide would address the
pilot project that was set up to test the temporary bike lanes.
She noted that the research data has not shown increased
crashes. She suggested that once the lanes are removed in the
winter, more research could be done on crashes.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE expressed the understanding that there
would be a fine of $125 for using a motorized vehicle on a
pedestrian or bike path where this is prohibited. He suggested
that the fine should be increased. He referenced a pedestrian
fatality on a trail where brush had been in the line-of-sight of
a prohibited motorized vehicle. He expressed the understanding
that after this accident the department had not responded to a
request to clear the brush.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA discussed snow removal for bike lanes in
Anchorage and snow storage in slip lanes. She questioned
whether this should be considered when discussing pedestrian
safety countermeasures.
MS. GOLDEN responded that snow clearing is a focus for the
Vision Zero Task Force. She noted that snow removal and storage
is a nationwide issue. She expressed the opinion that slip
lanes are a "dinosaur of engineering," and now there is a move
to put non-car road users within the cone of vision of
approaching drivers.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID questioned the definition of "vulnerable user
law." He expressed the understanding that Alaska does not have
this.
MS. GOLDEN responded that vulnerable user laws would be found
under the public safety section in the Alaska Administrative
Code. She noted that this would not be found under the
transportation section. She stated that this law would
reference the rights of way for pedestrians and bicyclists
crossing the road. She stated that to have these laws or any
fines changed, DOT&PF would need to work with the Department of
Public Safety.
2:10:43 PM
MS. GOLDEN discussed successful safety countermeasures, as seen
on slide 13. She stated that the 50 roundabouts implemented
across the state have shown a significant reduction in injuries
and fatal crashes. She noted that the department has not
pursued the use of speed safety cameras. She continued that
there are two different variable speed limit projects being
considered.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE noted that several requests have been sent
to DOT&PF to ask for lower speed limits in some problem areas.
He expressed the understanding that the department would need to
do a study before lowering any speed limits. He opined whether
a study should be needed to lower a speed limit by 10 miles per
hour. He urged that this issue be resolved.
CO-CHAIR CARRICK expressed the opinion that there should not be
any speed safety cameras in the state.
2:14:05 PM
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 14 and discussed speed limits. She
noted that speed plays a role in every crash, and she pointed
out that higher speed crashes are typically more severe. She
expressed the understanding that changing speed limit signs
would not always result in slower traffic. She observed that it
would be difficult to have drivers slow down unless law
enforcement is present on a regular basis.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA pointed out that vehicles are getting
larger. She suggested that these vehicles could have a greater
impact at lesser speeds.
MS. GOLDEN responded that concerning crashes with pedestrians
and bicyclists, the National Highway Safety Administration is
investigating a change to vehicle safety ratings. She suggested
that for the system to be safer, all sectors must work together.
She expressed excitement about changes in vehicle technology
that could help reduce crashes.
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 15 and discussed road safety audits.
She pointed out that a nonbiased, independent team would do
these audits. She stated that the audits would produce a
package of near-term, mid-term, and long-term opportunities for
future project decisions. She noted that the state would have
three safety audits in the upcoming year.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID questioned whether locals would have a voice
in the safety audits.
MS. GOLDEN responded that the nonbiased team would include
community members, but not local engineers.
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 16 and listed the actions the
department is taking to support safety. She pointed out the
development of the Complete Streets policy, as this would
consider all road users. She noted that the Alaska Traffic
Manual is being updated to conform to federal requirements. She
added that this new manual would update the rules for
pedestrians and bicyclists. She noted the following actions:
the speed policy is being rewritten, the urban safety corridor
selection criteria are being addressed, the Highway
Preconstruction Manual is being rewritten, pedestrian signal
technology is being implemented, and safety measures are being
taken for the influx of pedestrians during the cruise ship
season.
2:21:54 PM
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Representative Mina,
stated that the timeline for the release of the Complete Streets
Policy would be December 2025.
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Co-Chair Carrick,
estimated that the project for the crosswalk pedestrian flashers
in Fairbanks would have been around $500,000; however, she noted
that since this installation the prices have risen. She
expressed uncertainty concerning the cost of the audible
pedestrian signals, and she estimated that each pole would be
around $1,000. She noted that there would be four poles at each
intersection.
MS. MCCARTHY stated that she would follow up with the committee
on these exact amounts.
MS. GOLDEN referenced the technological initiatives that would
support safety. On slide 17, she pointed out the Winter
Operations Dashboard, audible alerting for Alaska 511 users,
crash reporting metrics, and the sidewalk priority level update.
She noted that crash data is reactive rather than proactive. In
order to be proactive, she asserted that the department would
need to understand where people feel unsafe. In reaction to
this need, she pointed out that the department created the
Partners in Safety program, as seen on slide 18. She explained
that while crash data only relates one perspective, this program
would engage with all transportation users. She pointed out
that a quick response (QR) code was created so users would be
able to show the areas of concern by "dropping a pin" on the
map.
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 19 and addressed Alaska's Strategic
Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which is based on the safe systems
approach. She noted that this approach is used in Washington
State. She explained that with this approach, if there is a
failure in one part of the system, this would be caught by
another part of the system. To create this as a whole, she
stated that all programs must align with SHSP. She moved to
slide 20 and addressed the Highway Safety Improvement Program
(HSIP). She stated that HSIP focuses on data driven projects,
with the goal of achieving a significant reduction in traffic
fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
2:28:17 PM
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Representative Mina,
stated that all department funds would be eligible for use on
road safety improvement projects, as this is a department
priority. She expressed uncertainty concerning the funding
programs, but she stated that every project would have to have a
safety review. In response to a follow-up question, she
clarified that funds would be transferred through HSIP, and she
gave some details of these transfers. She noted that the
department would be legally allowed to do these transfers.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA requested a follow up after the meeting on
the details of how funds would be transferred by the department
between the different areas.
CO-CHAIR CARRICK, for the record, stated that the committee has
requested an updated HSIP plan, but it has yet to receive this.
She noted that this plan might examine Representative Mina's
question.
MS. GOLDEN responded in the affirmative.
2:32:14 PM
MS. GOLDEN moved to slide 21 and discussed the Highway Safety
Office, which produces safety campaigns. She noted that the
office would focus on data to determine driving behavior, and it
receives funding through grants from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. She explained that this is a
competitive grant program, and it focuses on high visibility law
enforcement and other safety programs and events. She noted
that the office hosts a yearly summit, bringing together all the
stakeholder groups.
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 22 and spoke about the protected
bike lane pilot project in Anchorage. She discussed the two
phases, as described on the slide. She noted that the public
response had increased after Phase 2. She acknowledged that
pilot projects will often capture the public's attention, and
this creates more feedback. She added that these projects had
provided data without making a permanent change. She spoke to
the Phase 2 project results, which saw around 100 to 130 bike
users, with only a slight speed reduction for car traffic. She
stated that before the Phase 1 project, there had been excessive
speeding in the area. She noted that this speeding had dropped
after the Phase 1 project. She stated that crashes had not
increased in either area. She added that there are no plans for
permanent projects at this time.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID pointed out that he had biked the area in
Phase 1, and he suggested that the project changed the outlook
in the area.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA expressed appreciation for the protected
bike lanes; however, she pointed out that the implementation had
not been "perfect." She questioned how the information
collected on the projects would be conveyed to the public.
MS. MCCARTHY responded that a report and a presentation has been
given to AMATS. She expressed the opinion that the feedback had
been "very lively."
MS. GOLDEN added that this pilot project was done using DOT&PF
research funding, so there would be a report on this. She added
that this was a unique way of doing something different, and she
suggested that a pilot project model could be used for other
projects.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE questioned why the busiest traffic parts
of Anchorage had been chosen for the pilot project. He
suggested that less busy routes should have been chosen.
MS. MCCARTHY expressed uncertainty, and she offered to follow up
with this information.
MS. GOLDEN, in response to a question from Co-Chair Carrick,
stated that Fairbanks has a plan to do a pilot project in
conjunction with DOT&PF. She asserted that the department would
be open to new pilot projects with any willing community.
2:41:33 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 23 and discussed the department's
Active Transportation Plan. She stated that this is about
improving safety and accessibility for active users. She noted
the QR code linking to the plan's report. She added that some
of the information from the report has been used for the
presentation. She pointed out the department's goal of
providing an active transportation network and infrastructure to
encourage biking and walking.
2:42:43 PM
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID expressed appreciation for the work, and he
discussed the importance of addressing pedestrian fatalities.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE expressed the understanding that Kodiak
needs more stoplights.
CO-CHAIR EISCHEID gave closing comments.
2:44:49 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:44
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 20250218 HTRA Bike Ped Safety DOTPF Presentation.pdf |
HTRA 2/18/2025 1:30:00 PM |
DOT&PF Presentation: Bike and Pedestrian Safety |