May 15, 2006
Overland Park bike plan
The suburb of Overland Park, KS is working on a bike plan for the city's northern half, including it's first consideration of on-road cycling.
Overland Park is holding a public meeting to discuss their plans for
extending trails and bikeways within their city limits between I-35
(Antioch-Metcalf) and I-435 (Roe-Quivera).
7 p.m. Thursday, June 8
City Council Chamber of City Hall,
8500 Santa Fe Drive
Their plan includes their first, long-needed efforts to recognize
on-road bicycling, even if only on secondary streets.
http://www.opkansas.org/_Res/Parks_and_Recreation/Places/Bike_Trails/
trail_expansion.cfm
Everyone who has, does, think they will or supports those who do
bicycle in north Overland Park north, particularly bicyclists who live
in Overland Park, need to take a close look at this plan. As I
understand, the plan was developed internally without much public
input during its development. JCBC has offered its experience and
knowledge three times, but never received a response or indication
they were interested in our views or needs. That doesn't necessarily
mean its a bad plan. However, we need to make sure our needs are
addressed. Overland Park doesn't have a history of recognizing and/or
accommodating on-road bicyclists, so I urge you to take the time to
review their plans, attend the meeting and let them know your
opinions.
They've already had one public meeting with no apparent outreach to
the bicycle community. This picks my interest as to why they would
not want our input.
Dale Crawford
JCBC Bicycle Chair