How to Cycle on an Alaska Highway

Bicycle touring in Alaska gets you into the scenery as an active participant instead of being a passive observer in an auto or bus. Alaska allows bicycles on the roads and highways providing they follow traffic laws. But be prepared for narrow shoulders on many of the roads and highways and for large RVs and tractor-trailers on the roads during the busy summer season.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle with wheel, rear and front reflectors
  • Helmet
  • Bright colored clothing
  • Bear spray (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with Alaska laws for bicycling: Ride on the right side of the road, on the shoulder or as close to the white line as is reasonably safe. Ride with the traffic. Equip your bicycle with rear, front and wheel reflectors. Yield to all pedestrians crossing roads and highways. Use standard bicycle hand signals for turns and stops.

    • 2

      Be aware of the unique aspects of biking on Alaskan roads. Groups should ride in a single file "pace-line." Alaskan highways such as the Glen Parks Highway that runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali Park have very narrow shoulders. Stay as far to the right as possible. Wear bright colored clothing and yield to large RVs and buses. Use common sense; while the law may be on your side, it makes little sense to get hit by a vehicle out of principle.

    • 3

      Carry extra water and food in a backpack or bicycle panniers. Distances between gas stations and small villages may be up to 100 or more miles. Stay hydrated and keep a few snacks on hand.

    • 4

      Yield to wildlife. It is not uncommon to see herds of caribou in the roads between Carlo Creek south of Denali up to Healy, north of the park. Let them pass and do not attempt to chase them.

    • 5

      Stop well ahead of any moose. Moose are dangerous and unpredictable. If a moose charges, drop the bike and get behind the nearest tree or barrier. Let the moose wander off after its attention span wanes.

    • 6

      Exercise caution around grizzly and black bears, which are regularly seen along Alaska highways. If you see a bear, stop well ahead of it and wait for it to leave the area. Do not approach it to get a better picture or attempt to bicycle past it if it is within 10 feet of the road.