Sidewalk Implementation Plan
Learn about the current state of Denver's sidewalks and take our survey!
The Sidewalk Implementation Plan State of the System Report is live and includes a brief survey to understand your priorities for new and improved sidewalks: denvergov.org/SOTS
The State of the System Report is the first step towards completing the Sidewalk Implementation Plan. This report outlines the evolution of how Denver invests in sidewalks and the current state of Denver sidewalks.
The City and County of Denver is currently developing the first Sidewalk Implementation Plan that will be our roadmap for repairing damaged sidewalks, widening deficient sidewalks, and building new sidewalks. The Sidewalk Implementation Plan will answer the questions of where, when, and how the Sidewalk Program will build a complete sidewalk network for all Denverites.
Purpose and Goals
The Sidewalk Implementation Plan will detail the path forward for building and upgrading sidewalks across the city in both the short term and the long term. The purpose of the plan is to:
- Create a prioritization framework for delivering sidewalks in a way that meets the City’s and the public’s transportation goals.
- Create work plans for sidewalk construction, reconstruction, and repair across the city with a more detailed focus on what will be constructed in the next 6 years.
- Establish a long-term road map for a successful program that delivers new and improved sidewalks to Denver into the future.
We are all pedestrians who use sidewalks in our daily lives. Sidewalks are basic infrastructure for people walking and rolling and are crucial in creating and maintaining an equitable and vibrant city. They guarantee that everyone, including adults, children, and people with disabilities, has the independence to move about the city freely and safely.
Here is how a complete sidewalk network helps the city achieve its transportation goals:
Mobility
Every Denverite is a pedestrian and walks or rolls at some point during every trip. A complete and maintained sidewalk network increases transportation choices within the city by making more destinations accessible by walking, rolling, and connecting to transit.
Safety
Pedestrians are most at risk to serious injury or fatal traffic crashes when traveling, and therefore are the most vulnerable roadway users and highest priority to accommodate. A complete and maintained sidewalk network provides a safe, designated space for pedestrians to travel throughout the city.
Sustainability
Creating safe and comfortable places for pedestrians encourages residents to make trips by walking or rolling that they otherwise would have made by driving. This shift to more active transportation modes can improve air quality and address other environmental impacts.
Community
Walkable neighborhoods with quality sidewalks are the foundation of Denver’s complete transportation system and connect people to all the places they like to go.
Quality
Pedestrians of different abilities are most disadvantaged by deficiencies in the sidewalk network. Maintaining sidewalks to a state of good repair eliminates barriers and makes walking and rolling feel safer and more comfortable for all.
Equity
A complete sidewalk network is essential in Denver’s equity priority neighborhoods where more residents rely on walking, rolling, and transit as their primary means of travel than in other parts of the city. Providing safe, accessible sidewalks ensures that people without access to a personal vehicle—including low-income households, older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities—can reach jobs, services, and community destinations.
Timeline
The sidewalk implementation plan is kicking off now, with three main phases of development through the end of 2026: documenting the state of Denver’s sidewalk network today, developing an understanding of the work and resources needed to reach network build-out, and determining the path of action that connects where we are today and a fully completed sidewalk network in Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the project evolves, frequently asked questions and their answers will be posted here. If you have a question about the sidewalk implementation – see the “Contact Us” section to get in touch with the project team.
What is Denver's Sidewalk Program?
Learn more about the Sidewalk Program here.
Why are we developing a Sidewalk Implementation Plan?
It’s important for the program to have a plan, vetted by Denverites, that guides where and when the program repairs and builds out the sidewalk network. The revised sidewalk ordinance, which created Denver’s Sidewalk Program, helps guides what this plan should include.