Denver's Sidewalk Program
NOTICE: We’re currently developing our Sidewalk Implementation Plan!
Building a Better Sidewalk Network
Every traveler is a pedestrian at some point in their journey. Sidewalks are one of Denver’s most essential public assets, supporting everyday movement and connecting people to the places that matter most. A complete and well-maintained sidewalk is fundamental to creating an equitable, safe, and vibrant city.
Today, Denver’s sidewalk network includes about 3,140 miles of existing sidewalks, with an additional 318 miles missing. More than 40 percent of the network needs completion, widening, or repair. We're about to fix that!
The City has launched Denver's Sidewalk Program and is developing a Sidewalk Implementation Plan (SIP) to repair damaged sidewalks, widen sidewalks that are too narrow, and build new sidewalks where they're missing.
A New Approach to Sidewalks
Denver’s Sidewalk Program represents a fundamental shift in how the city builds and maintains sidewalks. For the first time, sidewalks will function more like streets, with ongoing citywide care, consistent standards, and dedicated funding.
In 2022, Denver voters affirmed this shift by approving a sidewalk service charge, creating a reliable funding source to support a safer, more accessible, and more equitable pedestrian network. This program goes beyond fixing individual sidewalk defects. Its goal is to deliver a connected system that improves mobility, safety, accessibility, and quality of life for everyone.
Making Denver Accessible
Accessible neighborhoods with good sidewalks are the foundation of a complete transportation system. Building, widening, and repairing sidewalks helps connect people to schools, jobs, transit, and all the amazing amenities that make our city special.
Once fully built out, Denver's sidewalk network will be approximately 3,458 miles - about the distance from Denver to New York City and back again!
Why Sidewalks Matter
Sidewalks support everyday movement for people of all ages and abilities. They improve safety, increase mobility, strengthen neighborhood connections, and promote long-term public health and quality of life.
Here is how a complete sidewalk network helps the city achieve its transportation goals:
Denver's Sidewalk Program provides for spot repair improvements on a citywide prioritization standard. The program encourages you to report major sidewalk damage that you observe on public sidewalks. Please report the the issue via the Online Service Hub, by texting the phrase "hello" to HEY311 (439311) and then type in "report sidewalk damage", or by chatting Denver's Sunny chatbot by clicking the icon at the bottom right of this page. Please note that all sidewalk issue reports require an image.
Examples of major sidewalk damage include:
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with an elevation difference greater than one inch
- adjoining sections of sidewalk with gaps greater than one inch
- extensive raveling and major breaking
Report Sprinkler Damage
If you notice any damage to your irrigation system from recent sidewalk repair work in your neighborhood, report it at denvergov.org/report. In the “What can we help you with?” section select “Other.” Describe the issue in as much detail as possible including indicating “sidewalk construction damage to landscaping and/or sprinkler system” and additional details about what was damaged and where the damage is located. Our team will follow up and make repairs if needed.
Phase 1 Takeaways
Phase 1 of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan, which lasted from January to March 2026, documented the state of Denver’s sidewalk network, resulting in the State of the System Report. Throughout the phase, DOTI gathered input about the community’s priorities for sidewalk construction and repair through in-person engagements and an online survey. The image below highlights Phase 1 outreach by the numbers.
Survey Priorities and Key Takeaways
The online survey was open from Jan. 14 to March 23, 2026, and was available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Amharic. There were 1,263 total responses, with 34 of those being from pop-up events.
Respondents were asked which priorities for sidewalk buildout identified in previous citywide planning efforts, Denver Moves: Pedestrians & Trails and Denver Moves Everyone, were still a priority, with 5 being extremely important and 1 being not important. Based on the responses, on average Denverites still consider all elements key priorities, with safety as the most important. Comments revealed a variety of perspectives on sidewalk safety including the condition of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and the speed and volume of vehicles on the adjacent street.
Respondents of the survey were asked to rank previously identified priorities for sidewalk buildout, with 5 being extremely important and 1 being not important. The numbers above each icon indicate the average ranking out of 5.
In addition, the following themes represent common comments raised by Denverites in response to open-ended survey questions and in conversations with the project team:
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Divided opinions on which type of sidewalk needs to address first, repair, missing, or widening existing substandard sidewalks
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Safety as a major issue residents want to address, though defined in a variety of ways, including as trip hazards, unsafe crossings, lack of sidewalks, and sidewalks along high-volume arterials
2025 Annual Report
The 2025 Annual Report highlights a milestone year for Denver’s Sidewalk Program, including significant progress on building, repairing, and widening sidewalks across the city. The report provides a comprehensive update on system conditions, 2025 accomplishments, budget details, and the work plan for 2026.
2025 Highlights:
- 10.6 miles of new and widened sidewalks constructed
- 31.3 miles of sidewalk repaired
- Completion of the State of the System report
- Advancement of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan
Read the full report here:
Sidewalk Implementation Plan Webinar - Feb. 2026
Thank you to the community members who attended the Denver Sidewalk Program webinar on February 11. The project team provided an overview of the history and voter approval of the Sidewalk Program, the updated fee structure and delivery goals, and the urgency of building a complete sidewalk network. The team also outlined the purpose, timeline, and outcomes of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan, shared highlights from the State of the System Report and interactive dashboard, and explained upcoming outreach opportunities and ways to provide input.