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Heated public testimony on Classen Boulevard bike lanes divides businesses, hospitals and cyclists
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Summary
A long Citizens to Be Heard period produced sharply divided testimony over planned Classen Boulevard bike lanes: business owners and health‑care representatives warned of congestion and ambulance delays, while cyclists and advocates urged completion of funded protected lanes to improve safety and local commerce.
A large and vociferous segment of public comment at the Dec. 23 council meeting centered on a proposed extension of protected bike lanes on Classen Boulevard, prompting dozens of speakers to urge either continuation or a pause to construction.
Opponents representing property owners and some local businesses argued the lane reduction (from three to two travel lanes in portions) worsened congestion, created safety problems for heavy trucks and emergency vehicles and was imposed without the notice property owners expect for land‑use changes. “We never were given notice or a chance to give our opinion about the bike lanes that are in front of our 3 offices,” said Clay Farha, adding he seldom sees cyclists using the lanes and that debris accumulates in the dedicated lane.
Hospital representatives and other speakers said traffic flow and ambulance access are real concerns. Jimmy Durant, director of government relations for St. Anthony Hospital, said: “Traffic has not decreased on Classen and because of the bike lanes... if anything it's gotten much worse.” He urged looking at parallel streets as alternatives to avoid delaying emergency care.
Supporters — including bike advocates and residents — countered that protected bike lanes reduce crashes, increase neighborhood activity and help people without cars access jobs. Jacob Keane, who lost a leg in a 2019 crash, described riding on corridors where lanes stop abruptly and said continuing the Classen protected lane is a safety priority. Phil Moll, a transportation planner and local bike advocate, said federal crash modification factors indicate protected bike lanes can reduce crash risk and that bike lanes “are good for business.”
Council did not take a final vote on any moratorium during this meeting; speakers requested staff and council clarify the status of funded and federally‑funded projects. The City’s planning director and multiple residents noted the council had previously adopted the BikeWalk OKC plan and that some Classen segments already built were part of earlier approvals.
Provenance: Citizen testimony during Citizens to Be Heard and related council references.
