SPOTLIGHT: City’s trail system on a long journey of connecting Edmond
Nationwide, the use of alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycling, is gaining momentum for a variety of reasons. It serves as a health-conscious choice for individuals, fosters community bonding through recreational activities, and contributes to improved air quality. This shift towards a more bicycle-friendly infrastructure is a testament to the growing recognition of cycling’s numerous benefits.
The City of Edmond has a rich history of promoting bicycling, leading to a comprehensive planning approach for new bicycle infrastructure. Factors like travel patterns, collision data, equitable alternatives, costs and environmental impacts are all considered when working toward projects to maintain, enhance and expand the trails systems around Edmond.
“Edmond residents continue to recognize the importance of having easy access to active mobility modes,” said Ken Bryan, long-range planner for the City of Edmond. “In 2022, people said the pedestrian network and the bicycle network were their highest priorities for improvement and challenged the City to embed these priorities into the community’s mobility planning efforts and projects.”
Edmond TrailsEdmond’s journey toward a comprehensive trail plan began in 1980 with the construction of the first 1½-mile trail at Hafer Park. This was followed by the addition of 2½-miles at Mitch Park in 1994. As Edmond continued to grow and develop, the demand for a well-planned community trail network increased among its residents.
The 1999 Edmond Trails and Sidewalk Master Plan laid out a comprehensive network of trails and bicycle/pedestrian corridors for the city. In 2002, the Trails Plan Map was incorporated into Edmond Plan III, the City’s comprehensive land use plan. The genesis of this plan can be traced back to “Tomorrow’s Edmond: A Community Dialog,” a document that was the outcome of strategic planning sessions held in 1995 and 1996.
“Tomorrow’s Edmond” outlined several goals, one of which was fostering a “Connected Citizenry.” The most favored method for achieving this was through the establishment of a community-wide network of pedestrian and bicycling paths. Also important was traffic design and planning. Other key objectives included identifying development opportunities and creating neighborhood parks.
The 1999 Edmond Trails and Sidewalk Master Plan aimed to enhance community access to outdoor resources by establishing a network of off-road multi-purpose trails. It addressed the trail needs related to recreation, transportation and economic pursuits and identified 37 corridors throughout Edmond that would be developed over 15 years, which gave birth to a network of City trails that traverse geographically diverse hotspots in Edmond.
The Fink Park trail stretches for 1¼ miles, connecting Fink Park south of UCO with Hafer Park on Bryant Ave. The Mitch Park/Coffee Creek Trails offer a more extensive journey encompassing 6½ miles. The Fox Lake Trail provides a shorter 1-mile route at 15th Street and I-35 and connects with the Spring Creek Trail, which traverses underneath I-35, leading to Arcadia Lake. The Spring Creek Trail measures 3 miles and will soon connect to another existing scenic 3-mile route along Route 66.
Then, in 2013 a significant development was Edmond’s first bicycle lanes installed along both sides of University Drive, totaling 2 miles between 2nd Street and Chowing Avenue.
Altogether, the number of bicycle and pedestrian facilities implemented, aside from residential sidewalks and mountain biking, totals approximately 33⅓ miles. The number of shared lane markings total 14 miles, and neighborhood trails total approximately 3 miles. The current focus is on paved trails, protected bike lanes and wayfinding for urban commuters.
The City’s vision for a comprehensive trails system has truly transformed the city’s landscape, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
In 2012 the Edmond Bicycle Master Plan was published, aimed at helping the Master Plan Goal: Increase the number of people bicycling while minimizing the number of crashes involving bicycles by providing safe, comfortable and efficient bicycling conditions, and increasing public awareness and acceptance of bicycles on Edmond streets.
Spring Creek TrailFast-forward to October 2022 when City Council adopted the EdmondShift Mobility Plan where bicycle infrastructure planning was fully integrated into the City’s transportation planning efforts. EdmondShift is a comprehensive strategic plan that updates and modernizes the City’s mobility network plans, policies and investment decisions. Bicycle infrastructure is now receiving the same consideration as vehicular infrastructure.
More recent developments for bicycle infrastructure are equally promising. This year, the City was awarded $3 million from ODOT for trail improvements around Lake Arcadia, which will connect many parks in the area, and was awarded $320,000 through ACOG to connect Vista Lane to Hafer Park. This trail will provide easier access for residents on the north side of the park.
Moreover, the recently completed Ayers Bike Lanes on the east and west sides of the UCO campus will be extended to the east end of KickingBird Road, thanks to a grant from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG). The City is also almost ready to start working on Phase 1 of the Creek Bend Trail which will connect trails on the east side of I-35 to Coltrane Road. That trail will be 1¼ miles in length.
Among other grant-funded projects are:
SH66 Trail from Post to Westminster: $1 million in grant funds with a $837,000 match from the City for the 1-mile project.
Route 66 Trail Connector-Midwest Boulevard to Spring Creek: $1 million in grant funds with a $2.3 million match from the City for a 1⅘ miles project.
Spring Creek Trail to Carl Reherman Park: $1 million in grant funds with a $1.8 million match from the City for the 2-mile project.
Bicycle Wayfinding Signage: $105,009 in grant funds with a $45,004 match from the City.
The future of bicycle planning in Edmond remains promising. The inception of a Mobility Commission, the unwavering dedication of an active Bicycle Committee, and the continued commitment from City staff are all converging to ensure transportation alternatives are not just an afterthought, but a priority. This includes meticulous planning and implementation of a comprehensive bicycle network, as well as seizing strategic opportunities that may involve the development community.
But the heart of these initiatives is the community itself. The participation and involvement of Edmond’s citizens are the driving force behind these efforts, reflecting the vision for “Tomorrow’s Edmond.” This vision is not just about creating a city that moves, but a city that moves together, towards a future where every journey is an experience, and every destination is just the beginning of another adventure.
“Our trails system creates a healthy gateway for people to traverse the city and connect with nature up close, as well as with each other,” said Darrell A. Davis, Mayor of Edmond and an avid cyclist. “But, beyond the obvious health benefits, our growing trails system is an attraction for the people visiting Edmond and beyond. It promotes connectivity both in our community and with Oklahoma City and communities around the region. It’s a worthwhile investment that was needed both for today and for the benefits it will provide in the future.”
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