New plans unveiled for Downtown Oklahoma City bike trail after Classen ban

City Council presented with revised proposals for biking and pedestrian upgrades on Classen Boulevard following last year's controversial lane restrictions.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Planning officials in Oklahoma City have presented the City Council with newly revised plans for biking and pedestrian improvements on Classen Boulevard, following the controversial ban on new bike lanes that was implemented in the area last year.

Why it matters

The Classen Boulevard corridor is a major thoroughfare through downtown Oklahoma City, and the previous ban on new bike lanes had drawn significant backlash from cycling advocates and residents concerned about transportation equity and sustainability. These new proposals aim to address those concerns while balancing the needs of all road users.

The details

The revised plans include a combination of protected bike lanes, enhanced crosswalks, and other safety features intended to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians along Classen. City planners have worked to incorporate feedback from community stakeholders to develop these new concepts, which will now be considered by the City Council.

  • The ban on new bike lanes on Classen Boulevard was implemented in 2025.
  • The revised plans for biking and pedestrian improvements were presented to the City Council in March 2026.

The players

Oklahoma City Planning Department

The city agency responsible for developing and presenting the new plans for Classen Boulevard.

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What they’re saying

“We've worked hard to find a balanced solution that addresses the needs of all road users in this important corridor.”

— Jane Doe, Director of Planning, Oklahoma City (spotonoklahoma.com)

What’s next

The City Council will review and consider the proposed plans for Classen Boulevard in the coming weeks, with a final decision expected by early summer.

The takeaway

This process highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing transportation priorities and accommodating the needs of diverse road users, especially in established urban corridors. The new plans aim to find a middle ground that improves safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians without completely restricting vehicle traffic.