New trail opening in Olathe

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Eric
Kansas Cyclist reports on a new trail segment in Olathe that will connect Heritage Park and Blackbob Park.  They also provide a handy map showing a good on-street connection from the new trail to the popular Indian Creek Trail, just 3 miles away on a street with bike lanes.  The new trail opens on Labor Day.
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Two local trails get federal funding via KDOT

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Eric
Two area trail projects are among the 18 Transportation Enhancements grants recently awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Shawnee's the Clear Creek Trail will be extended to connect with the popular Mill Creek Streamway that runs from the Kaw River all the way to Olathe.  Tonganoxie's Chieftain Trail will be extended to the town's new post office. KDOT press release (PDF). Shawnee Trails Plan. Transportation Enhancements is a competitive grant program where states distribute federal transportation funds to projects that include bicycle/pedestrian, transit, landscaping, historic preservation, and more.  KDOT awards T.E. funds on a state-wide bases, while in Missouri MoDOT divides up T.E. funds between different regions and lets locals decide how to spend the money.  The latest round of Missouri T.E. applications were just submitted and the winners should be announced later this year.
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Bike 4 the Brain this Labor Day

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Eric
Bike 4 the Brain is great charity ride that benefits local mental health non-profits, which are struggling to deal with cuts in state support in both Missouri and Kansas. B4B has a great route that covers Downtown, Midtown, the Northland, and Johnson County. 10, 25, 50, and 64 mile options are available, all with SAG support. B4B starts Monday morning in Mission, KS. It's a large and growing ride, so register in advance to avoid the lines.
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Featured Photo: Westport Cruiser

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Eric

Pretty red cruiser bike parked at Lady Luck Salon in Westport.

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Husband and Wife hit in Overland Park

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Eric
A husband and wife were hit by an SUV at 133rd and Nall in southern Overland Park around 8:00 a.m. this morning. Police are investigating, and news media is reporting conflicting information.  We'll post updates as we have them. KMBC-TV 9 reports the couple are in the forties and were traveling westbound on 133rd when they were struck by a vehicle making a left turn from southbound Nall. KMBC also reports the motorist claims he "didn't see" the cyclists has not been ticketed pending the police investigation. Meanwhile, KCTV-5 says the cyclists were going east and the SUV was going west on 133rd.  KCTV also says that while both cyclists were wearing helmets, the husband is at Overland Park Regional Hospital with a head injury.  The wife seems to have only minor injuries.
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Cyclocross Clinic September 11th

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Eric
This week's cooler temps are putting many local cyclists into the cyclocross mood. If you've ever thought about giving 'cross at try, you should check out September 11th's all-day cyclocross clinic in Shawnee.  It's timed perfectly to get you started in time for the upcoming season.
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Kids bike safety clinic at Southeast Community Center

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Eric
This Saturday Kansas City's Southeast Community Center in Swope Park is hosing a Summer Safe Cycling Clinic with Kenneth Walker and the Urban KC Community of Cycling. The event is free to kids 10-15 and includes safety classes, bike inspections, etc.  Helmets are required and will be available for kids that need them.  Download the flyer (PDF) for details and parental waiver form.
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Ride from Work Happy Hour in Shawnee

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Eric
This month the Car Free Challenge's Ride From Work happy hour is going west to Waxy O'Shea's in Shawnee. All area bike commuters are encouraged to stop by for happy hour specials, door prizes, and great conversation with fell car free travelers. Car Free Challenge Ride From Work Thursday, August 26th, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Waxy O'Shea's, 11900 Shawnee Mission Parkway. Shawnee, KS (at Quiviria)
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Summer Breeze Ride this sunday

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Eric
This is Sunday is Summer Breeze, the KC Bicycle Club's annual ride on the south side of the metro area. Starting at Longview Community College, Summer Breeze tours the rolling rural hills of southeastern Jackson and northern Cass Counties.  The ride is fully supported and features KCBC's famous super SAG service. It's also an official training ride September 12th's AIDS Bicycle Challenge. Be sure to register by Wednesday for the early bird discount.
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Help start a BikeMobile for traveling bicycle education

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Eric
The Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation is starting an exciting new project to create a mobile bicycle education program that takes a fleet of bikes and a team of instructors into schools in the metro area and across the state.  They already have a grant to pay for the bikes and the instructors, but now they need a van or bus to convert to a BikeMobile to carry the bikes. Do you have an old van or bus to donate?  Or can you donate some money to pay for retrofitting the BikeMobile? Read more and make a donation today.
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