OKLAHOMA CITY — UPDATED — On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Oklahoma City Council is set to vote on a resolution that would block the addition of new dedicated bike lanes along Classen Boulevard if they require the removal of existing vehicle traffic lanes.
Backed by Councilmembers Mark Stonecipher, Bradley Carter, Todd Stone, and Matt Hinkle, the proposed resolution (see below) directs the City Manager to instead explore alternatives that enhance east-west bicycle crossings at key intersections along the corridor.
The goal, according to the resolution text, is to improve connectivity without reducing vehicular capacity on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.
However, the insistence by some council members to change the plans for bike lanes on the remaining ten blocks of Classen down to Main has caused consternation among pro-bike, and mobility concerned residents as we have reported earlier:
Classen Boulevard has been identified in previous planning efforts as a critical north-south route, but supporters of the resolution argue that its heavy traffic makes it ill-suited for bike lanes that would displace travel lanes.
The resolution cites nearby streets, such as Shartel and Western avenues, as better candidates for north-south bike infrastructure improvements due to lower congestion.
While the measure reaffirms the city’s support for multimodal transportation and bicycle infrastructure in general, it reflects growing tensions over how to balance mobility needs with traffic flow concerns.
If approved, the resolution would require the City Manager to report back within 60 days on the feasibility, design, and timeline for the proposed painted bike crossings at east-west intersections.
The council meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall. Public comment will be accepted.
Resolution
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
