
Oklahoma City is taking significant strides towards creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment, with the first two phases of MAPS 4 sidewalks now actively under construction across the city. This development signals an ongoing push to improve walkability and pedestrian safety, harnessing the MAPS 4 penny to build over 35 sidewalks in the coming year, and more through 2031. A total of $61 million has been earmarked for this purpose, indicating a robust investment into the city's infrastructure.
In an effort to truly modernize the pedestrian landscape, these new sidewalks will feature updated crossings and ensure full ADA compliance, thereby enhancing access to key destinations such as schools, parks, and medical centers. Mayor David Holt has been vocal about the city's commitment to reevaluating the pedestrian experience, stating "Through MAPS initiatives and bond issues over the last two decades, we have reprioritized the pedestrian experience in OKC, which improves our City’s quality of life and our individual health," according to The City of Oklahoma City statement. The mayor's words reflect a desire to slowly change how residents engage with Oklahoma City, providing them with alternatives to the car-centric way of life.
These sidewalk developments aren't random nor are they whimsically planned. They have been meticulously selected following recommendations from the Planning Department's bikewalkokc master plan, which is to say the highest priority locations are getting the attention they deserve. These pathways have been carefully chosen to connect neighborhoods with shopping centers, schools, bus stops, and other crucial community infrastructure, fostering not just convenience, but also the community's well-being.
MAPS Program Manager David Todd praised the initiative's broader impacts: "With MAPS 4, we are reshaping the future of our neighborhoods by providing critical infrastructure and investing in the quality of life for residents." Todd told Oklahoma City's news portal. Oklahoma City's transformation into a walkable urban area, according to Todd, will not only provide improved accessibility but also forge safe connections for pedestrians spanning the city.
The construction of sidewalks slated for 2025 are on course to include several streets such as Military Ave, Western Ave, Shartel Ave, and many others, with additional sidewalks set to be built in 2026 and the years to come.