Federal stimulus money could fund huge advancement in KC bike/ped program

The KCMO City Council is currently considering what projects to include in an application for the next round of federal economic stimulus funds, which  goes by the acronym TIGER. In addition to things like roads, bridges, streetcars and more MAX rapid transit lines, city staff is proposing $45 million for the bike/ped program – bike lanes, trails, bike parking, sidewalks, ADA improvements, education, and training.

If the plan is funded it would mean a huge leap forward for bicycling and walking in Kansas City. Some highlights of planned improvements…

1. 50 miles of multi-use trails, including Missouri River, Line Creek, Van Brunt, and Indian Creek/Trolley Track Trail connection.
2. Expand on-street bike route network to 400 miles, including more bike lanes and sharrows.
3. Pedestrian improvements like more and better crosswalks, new and expanded sidewalks, and traffic calming.

Funding this program would bring benefits citywide in terms of reduced traffic congestion, better air quality, vibrant neighborhoods, and job creation.  An expanded bike/ped program fits perfectly with established city plans for sustainability and the Green Impact Zone on the East Side. It also finish the long-delayed Bike KC plan and jump start the new Trails KC plan.

The Plan: Transforming Transportation for a Livable Kansas City (PDF).

KC Star editorial: New plan for bike trails is a big winner.

Sounds pretty cool, huh? If you think so, let the City Council know.  Start with your own Councilmember and then the members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  Ask them to include the bike/ped proposal in the city’s TIGER grant application.