The recently created two brand new positions that are very important to improving the bicycle and pedestrian environment in the city. In one month we’ve gone from zero city employees with primary responsibility for bicycle planning to two. It’s a huge step forward and will hopefully result in some tangible results in the near future.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator – Deb Ridgway
Last year several leaders in the bike community, including Brent Hugh and Laurie Chipman, went to City Manager Wayne Cauthen to talk about the lack of progress on BikeKC and other initiatives to improve bicycling in KCMO. One outcome of that meeting was an agreement to hire a full-time Bike/Ped Coordinator. That promise was fulfilled this month when the Public Works department hired Deb Ridgway, formerly the Alternative Transportation Coordinator at Bridging the Gap. Deb is an awesome bike/ped planner with experience here in KC as well as St. Louis and Milwaukee. Having her to oversee and coordinate the work of disparate departments like Public Works, Parks, City Planning, etc. will be a huge improvement for the city.
Trails Coordinator – Richard DeHart
Another very important position recently created is that of trails coordinator within the Parks and Recreation Department. Richard DeHart has already spent several years in Parks and Rec and most recently worked in the Mayor’s Office in the Barnes administration. He will be instrumental in implementing the City-Wide Trails Plan that is currently in development. His experience inside City Hall makes him a great ally to have on the inside.
I know Deb personally and met with Richard for the first time today. Both folks are very bright and very eager to make the city a better place to bike and walk.
