Published: October 29, 2009 11:41 pm         

Officials look into walking and biking trail along Broadway

City officials want to hear the public’s thoughts on a plan to create a walking and biking trail from downtown to the area around Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Enid and Northern Oklahoma College Enid.

The biggest part of the plan, which city commissioners discussed in a recent study session, would be converting Broadway from Railroad Avenue east from four lanes to two lanes, with the walking and biking trail in the middle of the street.

However, the plan to build the trail down the middle of the street comes with a number of concerns, said Chris Bauer, city planning administrator. One is the safety of those using the trail. He said to make pedestrians safe would require erection of concrete “jersey” barriers.

“We would need traffic control to be safe for pedestrians,” Bauer said.

Estimated cost for the walking and biking path down Broadway is $425,000.

Another option would be to making the center path strictly a biking path and replacing sidewalks along Broadway for pedestrians, Bauer said.

“If we’re spending $500,000, what is the best concept?” he said. “We may end up with a bicycle trail in the street and a pedestrian trail on the sidewalk.”

Rebuilding sidewalks would be expensive due to Americans with Disabilities Act considerations, he said.

Ward 2 City Commis-sioner Don Rose said he wanted an uninterrupted trail, which would require closing most intersections on Broadway, except for the busiest ones at 5th, 10th and 16th. Bauer said he has not discussed safety issues of closing the intersections with fire, police and ambulance personnel.

By placing the trail down the middle of the street, there still will be two traffic lanes. It also would allow the city access for snow removal, allow on-street parking and trash service, Bauer said.

“But if we have pedestrians along the middle of the street we will have to have some safety. That can be expensive and have no aesthetic value,” he said.

Bauer said he wants input from residents. He wants to know if Enid residents actually want a trail and whether they would use it.

Bauer said the middle path may end up being bicycles only, but the city’s comprehensive plan calls for a grassy venue and walkway.

“It’s a quality of life issue. Young people may use it. You can get exercise and reduce the carbon footprint,” Bauer said.

Broadway was selected because of its width, he said. The street currently is four-lane and is wider than other four-lane streets, providing ample room for the trail.

The question remains what will be the best alternative. Bauer will report back to the city commission at some time in the future, and he wants good answers.

“What can we do to find out what makes sense?” he said.