Transforming Oklahoma City's cycling landscape with MAPS 4 Bike Lanes

The MAPS 4 Bike Lanes initiative is set to transform Oklahoma City's cycling landscape with an impressive $22 million investment. These funds will drive targeted improvements to biking facilities identified through the meticulous planning of the bikewalkokc program adopted in spring 2018, aiming to weave a comprehensive network of on-street biking pathways throughout the city.

The ambitious plan builds upon the groundwork laid by Oklahoma City's initial master plan for cyclists and pedestrians. The city has been very strategic with identifying and allocating funding for bicycle, trail and sidewalk projects. Many of the projects identified in bikewalkokc have been completed since 2018, with current efforts focused on advancing Phases 1a and 1b of the project.

The 2023 bikewalkokc updates are informed by the advice and expertise of an advisory group comprised of elected and appointed officials, local partners, and stakeholders from bike and walk advocacy groups, as well as city staff from several departments.

The advisory group was tasked with evaluating the plan’s performance measures, making technical edits, advising on the plan refinements, updating data and maps, feasibility of the remaining projects and prioritization, and identifying new projects based on public input, trends and needs. The development of this updated project list helps prioritize projects for implementation under MAPS 4 and other funding sources in the future.

Phase 1a charts a 7.2-mile course, strategically linking to the scenic Lake Overholser Trail and meandering eastward along NW 16th St. It then turns northward, tracing a path to N. Tulsa Ave. and NW 19th St., before culminating at NW 18th St. and Indiana Ave.

This phase aims to establish an east-to-west corridor, offering cyclists a safe, comfortable and uninterrupted journey to key destinations across the city. With a $2.1 million budget allocated, Phase 1a will integrate a mix of Tier 1 protected bike lanes, Tier 2 bike lanes and Tier 3 bike routes.

Construction for Phase 1a is slated to kick off this summer, aiming for completion by fall 2024, while Phase 1b is scheduled to follow in 2025.

Phase 1b brings two vital cycling arteries to life, enhancing connectivity to essential locales such as existing trail systems, parks and medical services. The NW/NE 16th St. corridor, spanning 2.6 miles, will receive $814,000 for development, while the Classen Blvd. corridor, covering the same distance, will benefit from a $1.3 million investment.

Both corridors will merge a blend of Tier 1 protected bike lanes, Tier 2 bike lanes and Tier 3 bike routes, facilitating smoother journeys for cyclists citywide. Additionally, the NE 16th St. corridor, stretching 2.8 miles from Walnut Ave. to N. Bryant Ave., will incorporate Tier 2 bike lanes and Tier 3 bike routes, further enhancing accessibility and connectivity for cyclists across the city.

The classification of these biking facilities into Tiers 1, 2 and 3 highlights their varying levels of safety features and infrastructure suitability for on-street cyclists.

Tier 1 prioritizes top-notch safety measures, including protected bike lanes with delineators or bollards, especially in areas with high automobile traffic or speeds.

In cases of design and engineering complexities, Tier 1 lanes  have the adaptability to transform into separated multi-use trails. Meanwhile, Tier 2 offers a moderate level of infrastructure, with traditional bike lanes as the baseline standard. When faced with higher safety risks, an upgrade to protected bike lanes becomes warranted. Lastly, Tier 3 designs cater to streets too narrow for bike lanes or protected bike lanes, traditionally referred to as bike routes.

For more information, visit the project website here: MAPS 4 Bike Lanes.