Research and Data

An important part of BikeWalkKC’s advocacy, education, and public policy work includes researching local conditions, analyzing best practices, and developing strategies to achieve our mission of redefining our streets as places for people to build a culture of active living.

Local data and statistics

Where Kansas City, MO ranks among the most populous US cities:

  • Biking to Work: #49 out of 70
  • Walking to Work: #33 out of 51
  • Bike Safety: #34 out of 51
  • Pedestrian Safety: #43 out of 51

Data from the Alliance for Biking and Walking.

Published Journal Articles

Perspectives on an earn-a-bike intervention on transportation, health and self- esteem among men experiencing homelessness
Journal of Transport and Health, Grimes & Smirnova
Bicycles allow men experiencing homelessness to maintain relationships, access shelter, resources, and employment, and build social capital and self esteem after participating BikeWalkKC programs. Read a summary from BikeWalkKC and the Health Forward Foundation.

Impacts of temporary pedestrian streetscape improvements on pedestrian and vehicle activity and community perceptions
Journal of Transport and Health, Carlson, Grimes, et al.
Changes to the built environment led by BikeWalkKC increased the number of people walking, increased perception of safety, and decreased unsafe driving behavior.

Impacts of an earn-a-bike cycling education program on children’s time spent cycling
Journal of Transport and Health, Carlson et al.
Youth bicycling increased 68% after participating in BikeWalkKC Safe Routes to School program.

BikeWalkKC Reports

Economic Impact of the New KCMO Bicycle Master Plan
Research from UMKC shows that building out a new bike network that prioritizes physically separated bike lanes will save 36 lives per year and boost the local economy by $500 million.

Bicycle Demand Analysis
BikeWalkKC assisted the Kansas City, MO Planning Department’s bicycle master plan process by identifying priority corridors and routes for future investment in bicycle infrastructure.

Bike Share Equity Report
A planning study and report to examine the issues and evaluate possible strategies for improving access to bike share in Kansas City’s underserved communities. Funded by the Health Forward Foundation.

Landscape of Analysis of Kansas City’s Active Transportation Sector

A snapshot of the biking and walking issues, barriers, opportunities, and organizations prepared for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Healthy KC Initiative.

Harassment of Vulnerable Road Users
Report and survey underpinning our work to pass anti-harassment ordinances across the metro area, to better protect people who walk, bike, or use wheelchairs or white canes.

Road Diets
We can re-purpose the public space taken up by overbuilt roads to provide more safe places for people to walk and bike. Road diets are especially important urban neighborhoods and other underserved communities where streets cannot be expanded for sidewalks or bike lanes.

Complete KC DIY Guide

Other Kansas City Data

Kansas City Physical Activity Plan
The KCPA Plan is a comprehensive set of Kansas City-focused, sector-specific strategies and priorities designed to increase physical activity in residents of all ages. It includes data about the current state of physical activity in the region.

KCMO Resident Satisfaction Survey – 2019/2020
Highlights of residents’ satisfaction with walking and biking infrastructure.

Other Resources

Bikenomics Report

Bicycling and the Economy: Economic Impact Studies

Katy Trail Economic Impact Report