TULSA, Oklahoma – After several public meetings in July, the Indian Nations Council of Governments is now working with communities to improve pedestrian and bike paths.

The intersection of N. Greenwood Ave. and E. Oklahoma St. in Tulsa used to be much riskier to cross. It is located near Carver Middle School, a senior living complex and neighborhoods of single-family homes.

INCOG came in and added measures to make it safer and more accessible, such as well-designed ramps for wheelchair users and highly visible zebra crossings.

“This intersection here has been greatly improved,” Lijah James told us.

James used to go to Carver Middle School. She said trying to cross Greenwood before it was expanded “was basically like racing, just racing and trying to judge the traffic.”

In fact, she said the intersection used to be so dangerous that she and her classmates often avoided it altogether and walked to the traffic light at the Greenwood/Pine intersection or crossed the street in front of the First Baptist Church North Tulsa.

INCOG aims to implement these improvements throughout the metropolitan area.

“This intersection shows that the city is investing in improving safety,” John Tankard, INCOG’s chief planner, told 2 News. “But there is still a lot of work to be done, and that is something we want to model throughout the region.”

While James was grateful for the improvements at this intersection, he said there was still room for improvement.

“I think there needs to be a little more work on the bike lanes and creating more things that are accessible to cyclists,” she told us. “And maybe a little more enforcement at that intersection like she does with the elementary school kids.”

Tankard believes even this intersection could use some improvements. For example, there are no sidewalks on either side of E. Oklahoma St.

INCOG and the Metropolitan Planning Organization are updating the region’s master plan for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, the GO! Plan. While the agency already presented the next phase of this master plan to the public last month, workshops will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings to delve deeper into the matter.

Tankard told us they are looking into the matter closely and will be working closely with the public to improve specific intersections and areas throughout the region.
“This is not something that can be done overnight,” Tankard said. “You know, renovating entire neighborhoods would cost millions of dollars, so we need to plan our investments strategically. We have limited funds for improvements, so we need to identify key locations where the space can be used to generate pedestrian activity.”

INCOG wants to hear people’s ideas not only about how to increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians in their neighborhood, but also how to improve connectivity.

James said that difficult-to-cross streets “can definitely divide a neighborhood.”

“I rode the bus in Oklahoma City for about eight months and it took me about an hour and a half to two hours to get somewhere that used to take 15 minutes,” she said. “I think especially without sidewalks, it was a lot harder to get from one bus stop to another. But I think there have been a lot of improvements in Tulsa and I think that will continue.”

Tankard agreed, saying, “It reduces the opportunity to interact with the community.”

“People are either more isolated, at home, or they’re out in their cars,” he continued. “I love driving around and listening to music, but … it’s different than when I walk around my neighborhood and meet people I know, people walking their dogs, people with strollers, going out with their kids to see where they live and understand their environment better.”

“Not to mention that interacting with our physical environment beyond the confines of a car – just like smelling flowers – can really improve your quality of life if you have the opportunity,” he added.

These workshops are open to everyone. The Tuesday workshop will be held from 5-7pm at the Hardesty Regional Library and the Wednesday workshop will be held at the Rudisill Regional Library at the same time.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere –