Description
BikeWalkKC is a member-supported organization that works to make Greater Kansas City a safer and more accessible place to walk, bicycle, live, work and play. The advocacy programs work with local cities to improve policies and build sidewalks, trails, crosswalks, bike lanes and more. BikeWalkKC's education programs give people the knowledge and skills to walk and to bicycle safely and confidently for transportation, recreation, and fitness.
BikeWalkKC's team of bike/ped professionals has extensive experience at the local, state and national levels. Weare recognized as award-winning leaders in the bike/ped industry and work to raise the bar of professionalism in the greater Kansas City area.
Our ten year vision:
- Katy Trail connected to Flint Hills Nature Trail through Kansas City
- Metro Green funding mechanism in place
- 75% of metro residents within a Bike/Walk Friendly Community
- 75% of metro residents within a community with a complete streets policy
- Bicycling and walking exceeds national average
- Biking and walking to school exceeds national average
- 1000 miles of new sidewalks constructed in region
- 500 miles of new bike lanes constructed in region
- All local governments have and enforce strict sidewalk snow removal ordinances
The Need: As one of the largest metro areas without a dedicated regional voice for advocacy and education, Kansas City has long had walking and bicycling rates less than half the national average. Plus, we have been at the forefront of public health crises like obesity and diabetes.
1. Advocacy for bike/ped facilities and policies.
- Encourage cities and counties to fund and build trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
- Lead policy changes such as Complete Streets and development code reform.
- Encourage development of the MetroGreen system via regional funding options and/or a land trust type of organization.
2. Education and outreach
- Make healthy, active living part of our local culture and mindset.
- Provide comprehensive bicycle education classes throughout the metro area.
- Partner with cities and schools to implement Safe Routes to School programs, especially in under-served communities.
- Lead marketing and outreach efforts to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians - including Bike Week, Car Free Challenge, Walk to School Day, etc.
3. Research and analysis
- Review regional planning and programming in the areas of transportation, urban planning, and public health.
- Monitor transportation projects for appropriate bike/ped inclusion.
- Identify needed improvements in project planning, funding priorities, and project implementation. -Document bike/ped activity over time to show mode shifts and emissions reductions.
- Explore the connections between local bike/ped policies/infrastructure and public health issues like diabetes and obesity.
