Editorial: In praise of the mayor's sidewalk comeback

Dewey Bartlett's reversal on the Riverside sidewalk project is a step in the right direction for Tulsa.

More than once in this space, I expressed deep disappointment in the decision by Mayor Dewey Bartlett to nix plans for a sidewalk along Riverside Drive to connect Veterans Park with the new Gathering Place. I might have even called him names, but who remembers such things?

Turnabout being fair play, today I salute the mayor for reversing his position on the sidewalk matter, and in doing so, actually making the plan better and safer for pedestrians. The new proposal calls for narrower lanes on Riverside, which will encourage slower driving, and a barrier of trees between the street and the sidewalk. 

To say the mayor’s change of heart means he’s admitting he was wrong is technically inaccurate. He always contended that pedestrian safety was his primary concern (whether you believe it or not), and the result of all the hubbub is that the plan is indeed safer. But whatever his reasons for scrapping the original plan, it’s never easy to reverse course under such scrutiny, and I give him a lot of credit for listening and responding to the voice of the community. That’s leadership, any way you slice it. 

Many people asked me why I cared so much about a sidewalk, why so many of us were up in arms about the whole thing. The truth is, it’s less about a single sidewalk and more about what kind of city we want Tulsa to be. It’s clear from the massive support of the sidewalk by Tulsa’s Young Professionals and other young community activists that a new generation wants different things than the last. Many of us don’t want a city of streets and parking lots; we want a city of green spaces and walkable neighborhoods. When that sidewalk got the ax, it signified that struggle—the struggle between those who prefer the status quo and those who dream of reshaping our city and its values.

The mayor’s decision to go ahead with the sidewalk project is admittedly a very small step in that direction, but symbolically it’s a great leap, and hopefully a sign of a sea change in our civic priorities. 

Congratulations to all the citizens and community leaders who made their voices heard on the issue. Two months ago I lamented that no one was listening. 

I’m glad I was wrong.