BikeWalkKC News Feed

MetroGreen regional trails district approved by Missouri General Assembly

Eric Rogers — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:05:28 +0000

The Missouri General Assembly has passed enabling legation allowing the Kansas City region to consider a regional sales tax to fund new trails, greenways, and bike routes. A similar regional tax in St. Louis has funded significant progress in their trail and bike lane networks. House Bill 1504 allows the Jackson County Legislature to ask voters to approve a sales of one tenth of one percent. Voters would still have to vote in favor of the tax.

What is MetroGreen?
MetroGreen is a regional vision for a multi-county network of trails, greenways, streamway corridors, open space linking the region's parks, natural areas, and cities. Existing parts of MetroGreen include trails like Mill Creek, Line Creek, Trolley Track, and Little Blue Trace. The network is being built very slowly with a patchwork of local, state, and federal funds.

What can a MetroGreen tax do?
A new trails district will accelerate the development new trails, one of the top priorities across several surveys of metro residents. A dedicated and stable funding source will finally allow Kansas City catch up with trail-blessed cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Des Moines, and Denver. MetroGreen funding could help build things like a Trolley Track Trail connection to Downtown, the final piece of the Katy Trail to KC, the Blue River Trail, and more.

It's not just for building trails
MetroGreen funding could also be used to build on-street bike lanes or sidewalks connecting neighborhoods to the trails, and educational and recreational programs. 45% of the tax revenue stays in the MetroGreen district for regionally-significant projects, 45% goes back to cities for local projects, and 15% goes back to counties.

Starting in Jackson County
HB 1504 only allows for this regional district to formed in Jackson County, but Clay, Platte, and Cass could be added later. State legislators from the Northland opposed the bill for various reasons, including the fact that Clay and Platte Counties already have taxes in place to fund trails. Jackson County would have formed the bulk of any multi-county district, bringing in $8 million a year vs $2 million a year from Clay and Platte.

What about Kansas?
Local state legislators and city councils on the Kansas side have not yet been willing to consider a bi-state district or even a separate Kansas-only district. Johnson County already has a property tax for trails, so Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties will be the only metro counties without dedicated funding for trails and bike routes.

What's next?
First we need Governor Nixon to sign HB 1504. Please email and ask him to do so. Then the Jackson County Legislature needs to put the tax before voters at a future election. November 2012 would be the first opportunity to do this. Commuter rail is already expected to be on the ballot in November, so we don't yet know if the county would be willing to put both tax questions up for a vote at the same. There may be some opportunities for the two to compliment each other.

BikeWalkKC will now begin working with Jackson County officials and local cities to advocate for moving forward with all the necessary steps towards a future election.

You can help by becoming a member of BikeWalkKC. We rely on members like you to support our work advocating for better bicycling and walking in the KC region.

Special thanks to the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation for advocacy and lobbying support in Jefferson City, as well as much of the information in this article.

Businesses push back on Southwest Boulevard Bike Lanes on eve of public meeting

Eric Rogers — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:59:21 +0000

KCK's plan for adding bike lanes to the Southwest Boulevard and Merriam Lane corridor is moving towards construction this fall, but some businesses along the street are raising concerns. Please speak up so that KCK leaders hear strong public support for bike lanes.

KCTV-5 reports that some businesses are worried about losing parking, but they don't seem to be thinking about the advantages of catering to cyclists. Studies show putting a bike rack in front of a bussiness can boost revenue by as much as 3%. Plus, taking cars off the road reduces congestion and competiton for the remaining parking - making businesses more accessible to motorists.

Public Meeting
Tuesday, May 8th
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Rosedale Development Assoc.
1401 Southwest Blvd, KCK

A public meeting tonight is a very important opportunity to show your support for bike lanes and learn more about the project.

Use this form to email the KCK Mayor and Board of Commissioners to express your support.

Learn more about the Southwest/Merriam Bike Lane Project.

May Newsletter - Bike Week, Tour de Brew, Bike Prom, Clips of Faith, and more

Eric Rogers — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:32:49 +0000

Happy Bike Month!
May is National Bike Month and the week of May 14th is Bike Week. BikeWalkKC has worked with partners all over the metro area to plan a diverse schedule of events showcasing all parts of our vibrant and growing bike community. Check out the Bike Week web site (http://bikeweek.bikewalkkc.org) for the full list of May events, including rides, classes, a Bike-In Movie, parties, and much more.

Bike Month and Bike Week Highlights

National Bike School Day on May 9th
Kids that bike (or walk) to school burn off energy and arrive ready to learn. Schools around the metro area are organizing Bike to School events, and you can do it yourself with your own kids!

Start a Bike Train
Organize a DIY bike ride in your neighborhood. Meet your neighbors, support a local business, or forgo the kids’ carpool for a Bike Train to School.

Bike Prom on May 12th
Dress up your bike, yourself, and your date. Or join KC’s first ever Bike Speed Dating and take a ride around the block with someone new. Bike Prom is a fun evening of music, food, dancing, and paparazzi. DJ/cyclist Miles Bonny will be spinning tunes from the 1980s to today. New Belgium brews will be on tap. At the end of the night we’ll crown Prom Queen & King, Queen & Queen, and King & King.

Buy advance tickets online to save money - http://bikewalkkc.org/bikeprom

Car Free Challenge, May 12th - 18th
Save money, burn calories, and save the planet by joining the Car Free Challenge during Bike Week. Log your bike/walk/bus/carpool trips at carfreekc.com. Win fame and fortune for burning the most calories or saving the most CO2.

In the last year we’ve burned over 3.8 million calories and kept over 86,000 pounds of carbon out of our air.

Confident City Cycling on May 12th
Learn to ride on city streets safely and confidently for transportation, recreation, fitness, and fun. Our free class will teach you the basics of traffic laws, riding with traffic, and bike handling skills.

Sign up at http://bikewalkkc.org/events/94

Upcoming Special Events

Tour de Brew KC on May 20th
KC’s newest bike ride is back with more history, more food, more beer, and teams. Tour Kansas City’s amazing brewery heritage, explore historic neighborhoods, and join a fun charity bike ride where bicycling itself is the charity. Tour de Brew KC is BikeWalkKC’s biggest fundraiser for our work to bring you more trails and bike lanes across the metro area.

May 13th is the last day to register online, and the ride is on track to sell out! - learn more and register at http://www.tourdebrewkc.com

New Belgium Brewery’s Clips of Faith Film and Beer Tour on May 31st
The 3rd Annual Clips of Faith returns for another beautiful evening under stars with microbrews, short films, local food, and great company. Bring the family and bring a blanket or chairs to relax and hang out in Theis Park on Brush Creek. Get all the details at http://bikewalkkc.org/clips

Win the famous New Belgium Crusier Bike
Someone will ride home from Clips of Faith on this bike! Buy tickets for the drawing online today or at the event.

BikeWalkKC members get extra tickets, so join today to increase your chances! http://bikewalkkc.org/newbelgiumbike

CLIF Bar 2 Mile Challenge
40% of urban travel is within 2 miles of home, but 90% of those trips are by car. The CLIF Bar 2 Mile Challengeis a fun game for converting some of those short car trips to bike trips. Each month CLIF Bar donates $1 for each trip logged in the Challenge, and in May BikeWalkKC is honored to be the beneficiary!

Advocacy Update
This spring the KC region is making great progress on improving walking and bicycling.

Downtown Streetcar - Upcoming public meetings are your chance to learn more and make sure planners include great walking and bicycling connections with the city’s first streetcar line.
http://bikewalkkc.org/content/streetcar-public-meetings-are-opportunities-speak-walking-and-bicycling

Overland Park approves Complete Streets policy - Last month OP became the latest local city to create a policy to better include walking and bicycling in new road projects.
http://bikewalkkc.org/completestreets

Bicycle Friendly Businesses - Congrats to several local businesses getting national recognition for going above and beyond to welcome cyclists!
http://bikewalkkc.org/content/more-bike-friendly-businesses-announced

Blue River Trail progress in South KC - A new trail between Bannister Road and Red Bridge Road is picking up where the newly-finished Indian Creek Trail ends.
http://bikewalkkc.org/content/blue-river-trail-construction-progressing-very-nicely-south-kc

NW 64th Street Trail connection - Construction under I-29 will soon link Northland trails on either side the highway, a much needed connection in this growing trail system.
http://bikewalkkc.org/content/key-northland-trail-connection-under-construction-i-29-and-nw-64th-street

Take our Education Survey
We are updating our education program and need your feedback on classes and clinics. Let us know what would help you walk and bike more in Kansas City. Take the survey to get a chance at some great prizes and help us improve our educaiton program.

Take the survey now at http://bikewalkkc.org/content/bikewalkkc-education-survey

Please join BikeWalkKC today

We need your help to keep the region moving forward in 2012 with better walking and bicycling. Your membership helps us deliver great projects and programs like Bike Week, advocacy for funding sidewalks and trails, and low-cost bike education classes.

We have membership levels to fit any budget, and they all include discounts at great local businesses. Join today at http://bikewalkkc.org/join.

RIP Chris Smedley

Eric Rogers — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:47:02 +0000

We are sad to report that Bicycle Shack owner Chris Smedley lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this past Sunday. Visitation is Friday evening at Holmeswood Baptist Church, 9700 Holmes, with funeral service Saturday at 10:30am at the church.

Christopher B. Smedley, 51, of Kansas City, MO, passed away April 29, 2012 at his home. Chris was born April 24, 1961 in Kansas City, MO to Rick and Charline Smedley. He graduated from Grandview High School in 1979. Chris owned and operated the Bicycle Shack in south Kansas City, established in 1981. Chris married Debra Bishop August 12, 1985. Chris was preceded in death by his father, Rick Smedley. He is survived by his wife Debra Smedley, son and daughter- in-law Jason and Jody Starforth, daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Mark Stieger, and three grandsons Zach, Nathan, and Aidan. Chris is also survived by his mother Charline Whitsitt, brother and sister-in-law Victor and Teri Smedley, brother Russell Smedley, and brother and sister-in-law Greg and Michelle Smedley. Chris turned 51 last Tuesday and was surrounded by family last Sunday as we celebrated a birthday we didn't believe possible a year ago. He was kind and gentle in life and was favored with a peaceful end. He not only taught us how to live well - he now has taught us how to go gracefully. Visitation will be Friday, May 4th, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holmeswood Baptist Church at 9700 Holmes in Kansas City, MO. The funeral service will be Saturday, May 5th, at 10:30 a.m. at Holmeswood Baptist Church, followed by a private interment at Mt. Moriah Cemetery South. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. (816) 942-2004 www.mtmoriah-freeman.com

More at examiner.com.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=157409204#storylink=cpy

Streetcar public meetings are opportunities to speak up for walking and bicycling

Eric Rogers — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:26:37 +0000

The streetcar starter line will be the subject of three public meetings the week of May 14th (which is also Bike Week). These are your next opportunities to learn more and to support high quality walking and bicycling integration with the streetcar.

Tuesday, May 15, 4–7 p.m.
Central Library
14 West 10th Street

Wednesday, May 16, 4–7 p.m.
Steamboat Arabia Museum,
400 Grand Boulevard

Thursday, May 17, 4–7 p.m.
Union Station
Arthur Stillwell Room, Level C
30 West Pershing Road

More info about meetings.

Walking Topics

How will crosswalks and pedestrian traffic signals be upgraded to a higher standard?
Will connecting east/west buses become more frequent?
How much room for wheelchairs will be included in the streetcar vehicles?
How will visually impaired people be accommodated?

Bicycle Topics

Will streetcar stations include bike sharing?
Will bicycles be allowed inside the streetcar vehicles? And how many?
When will connected east/west streets get bike lanes?
Will bike racks and bike lockers be included at streetcar stations?

The streetcar starter line will run mostly on Main Street between the City Market and Crown Center. Residents of a special Downtown taxing district will vote this year and the streetcar could be running as soon as 2015. The City has already began studying a future extension to Midtown, the Country Club Plaza, and UMKC.

CLIF Bar 2 Mile Challenge to benefit BikeWalkKC during National Bike Month.

Eric Rogers — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:59:34 +0000

40% of urban travel is within 2 miles of home, but 90% of those trips are by car. The CLIF Bar 2 Mile Challenge is a fun game for converting some of those short car trips to bike trips. Each month CLIF Bar donates $1 for each trip logged in the Challenge, and in May BikeWalkKC is honored to be the beneficiary!

The 2 Mile Challenge motivates folks get out of their cars, get some fresh air, protect our climate, and get some excercise. Every time you log a trip in the 2 Mile Challenge you are raising money for BikeWalkKC's work to get you more bike lanes and trails, better government policies, more bike skills classes, more options for getting to work or school, and a more livable city.

Every time you ride your bike your bike in May, you make a direct impact on better biking in Greater Kansas City.

Sign up today at 2milechallenge.com and get started.

CLIF Bar is donating up to $100,000 to local bike nonprofits this year, and BikeWalkKC is proud to be their first partner. The goal for May is 10,000 trips nationwide - that's $10,000 coming right here to KC to make a city a better place to bike!

What about the KC Car Free Challenge?
KC's very own Car Free Challenge has been going strong for many years. In the last year alone we have logged over 7,000 trips, burned almost 4 million calories, and saved over 86,000 pounds of CO2. This May we hope you will continue to use the Car Free Challenge for walking, biking, and transit - also take Clif Bar's 2 Mile Challenge. Every time you log a trip with Clif Bar, they donate $1 to BikeWalkKC.

Speak up for walking and bicycling in Olathe's new planning and zoning regulations

Eric Rogers — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:55:12 +0000

The City of Olathe is updating its planning and zoning rules, providing a great opportunity to make future development more accessible for walking, bicycling, transit, etc. On Tuesday, May 1st the city is holding its second public meeting for residents to provide input on how the city grows and develops in the future.

Public Meetings
Tuesday, May 1st
Olathe City Hall

8:30 am. to 11:45 a.m.

2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What's happening
The city's new master plan, PlanOlathe, includes many concepts from the Complete Streets movement, the simple idea that all streets should be designed and built to safely accommodate all people - motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, the elderly, people with disabilities, etc. PlanOlathe was created in 2010 with the involvement of hundreds Olathe residents. It's the guiding vision for the future of the city.

The City has published a draft report and fact sheet on this process.

Implementing the plan
Now that the city has an updated vision, it's time to update the planning and zoning rules that ultimately implement the plan. These are regulations for how new neighborhoods are layed out, the arrangement of new shopping areas and business centers, and the placement of parks and trails. All of these things contribute to making the city accessible for walking and bicycling. Or they can make it difficult to get anywhere without a car.

Our request
We want the city to take the great Complete Streets elements from the PlanOlathe vision and put them into the new planning and zoning regulations. The vision includes walking and bicycling, and now the rules and regulations need reflect that vision. Here are some specific things you can ask for at the public meetings on February 29th:

More sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, and crosswalks
New neighborhoods designed to allow for easier and safer bicycling and walking
Ensure new developments are easily accessible by transit
Plan for the potential of commuter rail and bus rapid transit in the future
Major barriers like main roads, highways, and railroads are easier to cross on foot or on bike
Consider other ways to reduce traffic congestion before expanding roads

More resources

See and comment on first draft of KCK sidewalk and trail master plan

Eric Rogers — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:10:08 +0000

KCK has created the first draft of a new master plan for sidewalks and trails based on public comments received in March 2012. This week is your opportunity to see the draft and provide more feedback to planners and engineers.

Attending one of these public meetings is an important way to residents and visitors help the city plan for the future, implement its Complete Streets policy, and improve walking and bicycling in KCK neighborhoods.

Attend a Public Meeting

Visit the U.G. web site for
a list of days and times.

Suggested talking points:

Prioritize sidewalk connections to schools and transit
Plan for trails that can serve both transportation and recreation uses
Include bike lanes to connect trails to neighborhoods and retrofit developed areas
Ensure new development includes sidewalks
Don't forget about good crosswalks to people across the street

More Bike Friendly Businesses Announced

Eric Rogers — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:35:26 +0000

Congrats to Bike Stop in Lee's Summit for being named a Bronze Level Bike Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists! They are one of 67 new BFBs getting national recognition today for going above and beyond to support both employees and customers who bike to their business.

Also included in today's list is an Honorable Mention for the City of Leawood municpal government. Check out the full list of local BFB's below.

League of American Bicyclists: Bicycle-Friendly Businesses Are Booming: 67 New BFBs Announced.

Is your business bike friendly?
BikeWalkKC can help you get this coveted designation. New research is proving that bicyclists are good for business. We spend more time and money in your store. We show up for work energized and healthy. We cost less to insure. Contact us to learn how your business be more bike friendly and get recognized for it.

Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Greater Kansas City

Silver Level
360 Architecture, KCMO
Family Bicycles, KCMO

Bronze Level
Bike Stop, Lee's Summit, MO
Foth IE, Overland Park
One More Cup, KCMO
The Roasterie, KCMO

Honorable Mention
City of Mission, KS
City of Leawood, KS
City of Shawnee, KS
Helix Architecture and Design, KCMO
Mid-America Regional Council, KCMO
Sprint Nextel, Overland Park
UMB Financial, KCMO

Blue River Trail construction is progressing very nicely in South KC

Eric Rogers — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:16:49 +0000

We recently surveyed progress on the Blue River Trail with the Kansas City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and are happy to report that this exciting project in South KC is well on its way to opening in October of this year.

The Blue River Trail is under construction between Bannister Road and I-435, turning south from where the Indian Creek Trail ends at the Blue River. A small section south of I-435 is already finished and being heavily used by the neighborhood.

Here is a slideshow of the trail construction. It's going to be a great trail through some amazing scenery and awesome views.

Black line at top is the final completed segment of the Indian Creek Trail. Red line is Blue River Trail under construction between Bannister and I-435. Black line at bottom is newly finished Blue River Trail south of I-435 to Alex George Lake, just north of Red Bridge Road. The next phase will be to continue south to Red Bridge Road and beyond.

BikeWalkKC Executive Director Eric Rogers chairs the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a group of citizens appointed by the Mayor and City Council to advise the City on plans, policies, and facilities.