OKC Finalizes Plans for MAPS 4 Bike Lanes and Sidewalk Enhancements

The city of Oklahoma City’s MAPS 4 initiative is moving quickly to enhance sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and streetlights citywide, advancing its vision for a safer, more accessible community.

Recently, the city unveiled plans to develop or upgrade sidewalks at three key locations, focusing on pedestrian safety and accessibility. On Sept. 10, the Oklahoma City Council finalized plans for the MAPS 4 bike lanes, marking another significant step forward.

“This first phase of MAPS 4 bike lanes will improve cyclists’ experience as they move through our city,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “Improving connectivity for residents through various modes of transportation is a significant goal of MAPS 4. Combined with the sidewalks projects already under construction and the many transit improvements, residents can expect a better experience traveling around Oklahoma City thanks to MAPS 4.” 

The city has allocated $96.5 million for the sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and streetlights initiative, with $22 million dedicated specifically to improving bike facilities.

The bike lane locations were strategically chosen based on the BikewalkOKC plan, which addresses the community’s cycling needs. The project aims to create a citywide network of biking facilities, including tier 1 protected bike lanes and multi-use trails, tier 2 standard bike lanes, and tier 3 shared routes or road shoulder facilities.

Phase 1a of the project will establish an east-to-west crosstown cycling corridor along NW 16th Street, from Lake Overholser Trail to N. Tulsa Avenue, and NW 19th Street to NW 18th Street and Indiana Avenue. This phase integrates tier 1 protected bike lanes, tier 2 lanes, and tier 3 routes, offering 7.2 miles of cycling infrastructure.

Phase 1b will add two key cycling routes that connect cyclists to existing trail systems, parks, medical services, and other destinations. The first, along Classen Boulevard from Grand Boulevard to Britton Road, will span 2.6 miles, with tier 1, 2, and 3 facilities and 5-foot bike lanes separated by a 5-foot safety buffer. The second, on NE 16th Street from Walnut Avenue to N. Bryant Avenue, will link cyclists to the Katy Trail and provide 2.8 miles of tier 1 and 3 facilities, including two 8-foot multi-use paths at Lindsay Avenue to cross the center median.

Together, these projects will add over five miles of upgraded roadways, incorporating new bike lanes, improved signal detection, and enhanced trail connections.

Phase 1a began this summer, with completion slated for the fall. Phase 1b is scheduled to start in 2025 and is expected to wrap up within the same year.