The Dallas Jogger's Secret Enemy: Missing Sidewalks.

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 14, 2026

Ever feel like you’re playing a real-life game of Frogger, dodging cars while trying to get your morning jog in? If you’re a runner in Dallas, Texas, chances are you’ve encountered the frustrating, and sometimes dangerous, reality of missing sidewalks. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety hazard that forces pedestrians into roadways, increasing the risk of accidents. Let’s ditch the generic running advice and dive deep into the concrete jungle of Dallas, mapping out the sidewalk deserts and arming you with the knowledge to navigate them safely and advocate for change.

Dallas, a city sprawling with ambition, often falls short when it comes to pedestrian infrastructure. The lack of continuous sidewalks isn’t just a planning oversight; it’s a systemic issue that disproportionately affects certain neighborhoods. Imagine trying to maintain a consistent pace when you’re constantly forced to hop on and off the curb, weaving through parked cars, or even worse, running in the street.

Let’s get specific. Take, for example, the area around the intersection of Skillman Street and Live Oak Street in East Dallas. A seemingly innocuous stretch, yet a critical sidewalk gap forces pedestrians onto Live Oak, a busy thoroughfare with limited visibility. This isn’t an isolated incident; similar situations plague neighborhoods across the city, from Oak Cliff to North Dallas.

So, how do you, a dedicated Dallas jogger, navigate this obstacle course? First, awareness is key. Before you lace up your shoes, plan your route meticulously. Use online mapping tools, but don’t rely solely on them. Google Maps, for instance, often fails to accurately depict sidewalk availability.

Instead, supplement your digital research with good old-fashioned reconnaissance. Walk or drive your intended route beforehand, noting any missing sidewalk sections. Create your own hyper-local map, marking these problem areas. Share this map with your running group or online community to build a collective knowledge base.

Here’s a practical example: I created a Google My Map specifically for my running routes in the Lake Highlands area. I marked sidewalk gaps with red pins, noting the street names and cross streets. I also added notes about the level of traffic and visibility in each area. This allows me to quickly assess the risks and adjust my route accordingly.

Now, let’s talk about injury prevention. Running on uneven surfaces, like hopping on and off curbs, can significantly increase your risk of ankle sprains, shin splints, and knee pain. To mitigate this, focus on strengthening your lower body. Incorporate exercises like calf raises, single-leg squats, and lunges into your training routine.

Pay attention to your running form. Maintain a shorter stride length and a higher cadence to improve your balance and stability. Avoid running with headphones in areas with limited visibility. You need to be able to hear approaching traffic.

What about when you have to run in the street? Always run against traffic. This allows you to see oncoming vehicles and react accordingly. Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours. Consider carrying a small flashlight or headlamp to increase your visibility.

But navigating the problem isn’t enough; we need to advocate for change. Dallas has a 311 system for reporting non-emergency issues, including sidewalk deficiencies. Use it! Every report helps to raise awareness and prioritize repairs. Be specific in your report, including the exact location of the missing sidewalk and any potential hazards.

Don’t just report the problem; document it. Take photos or videos of the missing sidewalk and the surrounding area. This provides visual evidence to support your claim. Follow up on your report regularly to check on its status.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a 311 report in Dallas:

Visit the City of Dallas website or download the Dallas 311 mobile app.
Select “Report a Problem.”
Choose “Sidewalk Issue” from the list of options.
Enter the address or intersection where the missing sidewalk is located.
Provide a detailed description of the problem, including the length of the missing section and any potential hazards.
Upload any photos or videos you have taken.
Submit your report.
Note the service request number and check the status of your report online or through the app.

Beyond individual reporting, connect with local advocacy groups. Organizations like Bike DFW and the Dallas Complete Streets Coalition are actively working to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the city. Attend their meetings, participate in their campaigns, and lend your voice to the cause.

One of the biggest challenges in advocating for better sidewalks is overcoming the perception that they are a low priority. City officials often prioritize road improvements for vehicles over pedestrian infrastructure. To counter this, we need to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of walkable neighborhoods.

Walkable neighborhoods attract businesses, increase property values, and improve public health. They also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. By highlighting these benefits, we can make a stronger case for investing in sidewalks.

Another pitfall is the fragmented nature of city planning. Different departments may be responsible for different aspects of sidewalk construction and maintenance, leading to delays and inconsistencies. We need to advocate for a more coordinated approach to urban planning, one that prioritizes pedestrian safety and accessibility.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to speak up. By combining our individual efforts with collective action, we can transform Dallas into a more walkable, run-friendly city. So, lace up your shoes, map your route, and let’s hit the streets – safely and strategically. Let’s make Dallas a city where every jogger can enjoy a continuous, safe, and enjoyable run.