As the number of Anchorage pedestrians killed by motorists has increased after the relaxed jaywalking laws was passed by the Assembly. Yet another proposal to put pedestrians in harm’s way will be voted on at Tuesday’s evening’s Assembly meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. in the meeting room on the ground floor of the Loussac Library.
The no-right-on-red ordinance offered by Assemblyman Daniel Volland, would create a unique area in downtown Anchorage where motorists would not be able to turn right after stopping at a red light. Volland proposed the ordinance in October.
The proposed no-right-on-red zone is between Third and Ninth avenues and Gambell and L Street. It would be the only district like it in Alaska.
The vote will come one day after a woman crossing A Street — not in a crosswalk — was struck and killed by a driver. The relaxed jaywalking rules, observers say, have made pedestrians more bold in crossing streets in front of traffic.
The Assembly also plans to take up the issue of how the city prioritizes the clearing out of homeless encampments, including the current 72-hour abatement of camps in some areas, large encampments with 25 or more tents or makeshift shelters, and camps within a half mile of a licensed homeless shelter. The proposed ordinance would also reduce the abatement notice requirement from 15 days to 10 days for some encampments.
