Proposed Developments Could Eliminate Oklahoma City's New Dedicated Bike Lane

"A consultant hired to look at traffic implications from the construction of multiple garages at Walker and Hudson Avenues suggests removing dedicated bike lanes and parking spaces along Walker Avenue between Sheridan and Robert S. Kerr Avenues to expand the street to four lanes," reports Steve Lackmeyer. The garages will be built in connection with the construction of two development projects—one a 27-story tower and the other a set of four towers, 25- and 26-stories tall.

"The report by Traffic Engineering Consultants Inc. also recommends the city could create 'bike sharrow' lanes, which are found elsewhere around Oklahoma City and involve arrows on pavement reminding drivers to share the lanes with bicyclists," adds Lackmeyer.

Lackmeyer quotes Eric Wenger, director of the city’s public works, and City Planning Director Aubrey Hammontree in the article talking about study. Wegner says that the removal of the bike lanes is likely. Hammontree talks about the need for planners to balance the needs of drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. "We have to look at the whole network," says Hammontree. "Planning is no longer about just cars."