An update to Anchorage’s traffic laws aimed at making the streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians and other “vulnerable road users” went into effect in October.
The new law eliminates fines for what is commonly called jaywalking and makes it legal for people to cross the street in places other than a crosswalk.
“I think what drivers and other road users can expect is that people are going to be crossing the road in more places and maybe in less expected places,” said Anchorage Police Sergeant David Noll, head of the APD’s traffic unit. “That puts a little bit more responsibility on drivers to pay attention, to anticipate and to limit distractions while they’re driving.”
Noll said the law still prohibits pedestrians or other vulnerable road users from stepping out into traffic. They’re expected to give way to vehicles when crossing a road outside a crosswalk, and must obey pedestrian signals when crossing at a traffic light.
In addition, says Noll, it’s illegal for people to walk in the street if there’s a pavement. And pedestrians must still obey signs that prohibit crossing in areas that traffic engineers have deemed dangerous.
Noll said the months of October and November are often the most dangerous time for pedestrians because of darkness and too little snow to reflect light. He urged pedestrians to wear reflective clothing where possible.
“Safety is the responsibility of all road users,” said Noll. “So a pedestrian, cyclist or other vulnerable road user needs to remember that they are vulnerable when they are out on the road. They should pay attention to the traffic, they should limit distractions and they should make sure that they cross safely.”
Noll said drivers may notice more traffic enforcement in the coming weeks in areas of the city where collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are more common.
“The enforcement will be to ensure that pedestrians follow the rules that are already in place for their safety, and that drivers also follow the rules of the road, including distracted driving, speeding and obeying traffic lights,” Noll said.