You might have seen that the KCStar was kind enough to print an opinion article in support of BikeKC by me.
Just in case you didn't see it, a copy is below.
I heard from Councilman Ford that the council members have been receiving quite number of emails and mails on this issue. I hope between now & next Wednesday this will become a verititable flood of mail. Please take time to write, call, or email, even if it's just a brief note, and please remind your friends to do the same. Contact info at the end of the message.
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http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/opinion/3743825.htm
Posted on Sat, Jul. 27, 2002
AS I SEE IT: BikeKC needs your support
By BRENT HUGH
Special to The Star
Mike Hendricks' column, "It's Time to Cycle into Action" (7/3), outlined issues surrounding BikeKC. BikeKC is a proposal to create a network of on-street bike lanes and routes. It would reserve a little more right-of-way in future developments for pedestrian and biking facilities. Details about the plan can be found at www.bikekc.org.
Bicycle riders, groups, clubs and shops around the area strongly support BikeKC and have worked hard to get it passed.
Why should Kansas Citians support BikeKC?
� The availability of transportation alternatives will make Kansas City a more thriving, modern, livable city. Developers lose a small amount of real estate to right-of-way in the short term, but the long-term payoff is a more attractive city with higher overall real estate values. People like to live in areas where walking and biking are options, and developers and planners should bear this in mind.
� Bicycling, even just a few miles a week to work, school, the store or the park, is healthy and environmentally friendly. While some people choose to emphasize the (very minimal) risks of cycling, the health benefits outweigh the risks.
� In my own rides around the city, I see an astonishing number of cyclists already. BikeKC will encourage more of these neighborhood cyclists to safely travel farther from home.
Numerous studies show that on-street bike paths and routes like those proposed in BikeKC increase bicycle safety, reduce friction between bicycles and autos, and are effective in increasing bicycle use.
� We have many miles of wonderful off-street bike paths planned under the MetroGreen project. BikeKC's on-street bike routes are the natural complement to the off-street MetroGreen paths.
� Millions of federal dollars are available (up to 95 percent federal subsidy) to smooth streets, replace grates, and repair curbs and gutters on bike routes. These improvements benefit all road users, not just bicyclists. If we do not pass BikeKC and use these federal funds to improve our roads, other cities will.
I applaud the city council and staff for having the vision to bring BikeKC forward. I particularly applaud the integrity and statesman-like actions of Councilman Ed Ford. Ford has kept an open mind and allowed discussion on BikeKC to progress, even though he personally has had serious reservations about the proposal. Developing transportation alternatives is a key step in revitalizing the urban core.
BikeKC is an important step toward making our roads and our city friendlier, not just for bicyclists but for everyone.
I urge Kansas City road users to let the City Council know that you support the modern roadway standards and alternative transportation options of BikeKC. Write to: City Council, 24th Floor, 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Or call (816) 513-1625. The Web site is www.kcmo.org.
The crucial committee hearing on BikeKC is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7 on the 26th floor of City Hall. If you want to make Kansas City more bicycle-friendly, please plan to attend.
Brent Hugh is a pianist and professor of music at Missouri Western State College. He has bicycled about 2,000 miles on Kansas City-area roads in the past year. He lives in Raytown.
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City Council Contact Information
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posted by Brent Hugh at
Sunday, August 25, 2002 |
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