Oklahoma City is gearing up to roll out the first phase of the MAPS 4 Bike Lanes, a move that's poised to better connect cyclists to the broader cityscape. The City of Oklahoma City Council gave the green light on plans for the bike lane projects totaling $22 million, falling under the MAPS 4 program's umbrella that dedicates $96.5 million to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and streetlights. Take note, bikers—you're about to have more room to roam.
The bike lane designs are rooted in the bikewalkokc plan, aiming to strategically link cyclists with essential points across the city. The first phase, known as 1b, is to eventually build bridges not just across streets but through communities, and is set to include Classen Boulevard and NE 16th Street. Protection comes in the form of tier 1 facilities such as 5-foot bike lanes with matching buffers, and for those who prefer a shared space, tier 3 routes are on the docket as well. These aren't just random stretches of pavement; they're conduits to crisscross the vast expanse of the City of Oklahoma City.
Shared by the City of Oklahoma City, David Todd, the MAPS Program Manager, emphasized the importance of this phase, saying, "This first phase of MAPS 4 bike lanes will improve cyclists’ experience as they move through our city." Todd elaborated on the broader objectives, referencing how this initiative fits into a larger vision of transforming transportation across the urban landscape to create a seamless experience that supports movement in a variety of forms.
With shovel-ready projects set to begin breaking ground in 2025, the undertaking aims to have cyclists pedaling down these newly minted paths within the same year. Those interested in charting the cities’ cycling future can find additional insights on future phases on the City of Oklahoma City's website. Information and updates on the MAPS 4 project can be deeply delved into by those seeking to understand the full spectrum of improvements designed to parallel the citizens' daily beat.
Envisioning beyond today, the MAPS 4 program is a debt-free public improvement powerhouse, funded by a temporary penny sales tax projected to gather $1.07 billion by 2028. It was back in December 2019 when Oklahoma City voters checked 'yes' on the special election ballot, spearheading this ambitious project. For those keeping tabs, the tax kicked off on April 1, 2020, with a sunset clause in 2028. This isn't just about sprucing up streets—it's a commitment to neighborhood and human needs, with a slice reserved for quality of life and jobs. Guided by the MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and their recommendations to the City Council, this is truly a community-led revolution. For those who want to peek behind the curtain and keep themselves in the know, the MAPS Investment and Operating Trust has set the stage for sustainable funding geared towards operational expenses and upkeep of the projects rolled out.
