It has been a busy couple of days trying to figure out what is going on and how the public can meaningfully participate in this important decision for bicyclists and all members of the Anchorage community. BCA has not heard the precise questions raised by the Mayor’s senior staff concerning the Bike Plan – questions that resulted in the Mayor calling for a delay in the decision. But we have heard that they focus on costs – important issues that no doubt must be answered. In fact, there are already answers to questions about how to implement the Plan. But more importantly, while there may be questions about implementing the Plan, we first and foremost, must approve the Plan. There is nothing in the Plan that is set in stone. The Plan does not place absolute duties on the Administration to proceed. Rather, like most transportation planning documents – it is a plan, an idea of how to move forward, of what makes most sense to improve safety and connectivity for bicyclists.  It may involve tweaks over the years and how we deal with snow removal from bike lanes (a question raised by Mayor Sullivan)  may change overtime obased on what  is practical and makes sense for motorists, bicyclists and the city in general.

So with all this in mind, BCA thinks its time to approve the Plan.  Implementation of the Plan will lead to more bicyclists, which means less cars, which in turn means less congestion and better air quality. It also means that more Anchorage citizens are leading active healthy lives, which is good for themselves and for the city as a whole.  So, while there will be another opportunity to comment on the 23rd, BCA is suggesting that you come down tonight and let the Assembly know that you support the Plan, that its implementation will make Anchorage safer and more practical for bicyclists and a more livable city for everyone.  We hope to see lots of bicyclists at Loussac around 6:00pm (I dont know when after 6pm they will get to taking public comments on the Plan).  The Anchorage Bike Plan is part of the solution. And so are we. See you tonight!