Scottsdale Road Bike Lanes Open in North Tempe
The 1.2-mile corridor now provides protected travel lanes and accessible pedestrian crossings for local residents.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cycling
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Tempe has completed a major infrastructure upgrade along Scottsdale Road, transforming a 1.2-mile stretch into a designated multimodal corridor. The project, finished in September 2026, focuses on improving safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians in the North Tempe area.
Why it matters
The upgrade is designed to enhance connectivity between local schools, parks, businesses, and transit routes. By implementing physical barriers between cyclists and traffic, the city aims to create a safer environment for residents who rely on active transportation to reach key community hubs.
This $5.9 million project spanned a 1.2-mile corridor between Continental Drive and Curry Road. While the infrastructure additions are confirmed, the long-term impact on local transit volume and safety statistics remains under investigation.
The players
Maricopa Association of Governments
A regional planning agency that provided grant funding for the Scottsdale Road multimodal corridor project.
Tempe Transit
The local municipal agency responsible for public transportation and infrastructure investments in Tempe.
The details
The project enhances road safety by installing buffered bike lanes separated from vehicular traffic by physical vertical posts. Beyond cycling safety, the upgrades include new pedestrian curb ramps and crossing push buttons designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. The corridor also features new medians enhanced with landscaping and trees to provide traffic calming and aesthetic improvements.
Timeline
August 2025: Construction began on the bike lane project.
September 2026: Construction concluded on the bike lane project.
Health Landscape
This project follows the regional funding pattern set by the Maricopa Association of Governments to prioritize multimodal infrastructure. It reflects a shift toward designing streets that facilitate active transit to improve public health and physical accessibility.
Residents in North Tempe can now utilize the buffered lanes for safer daily physical activity, such as commuting or exercise. If you navigate this area by bike or foot, take time to familiarize yourself with the new pedestrian crossing buttons and traffic flow.
The takeaway
The Scottsdale Road corridor update provides a safer environment for residents to incorporate active transit into their daily routines. Consider testing the new route during daylight hours to familiarize yourself with the lane layout and pedestrian crossing locations.
Further reading
For more information on local active transit development, visit Cycling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTAR.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure over traditional vehicle improvements?
