Tactical Urbanism and Better Blocks to transform city streets this Friday October 5th
Better Blocks and Tactical Urbansim are two movements to use low cost, DIY changes to temporarily re-imagine urban space, promoting more people-friendly and sustainable redevelopment. KC’s first two examples are popping-up this Friday during First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District.
Better Block on Grand Boulevard – 16th and Grand
A temporary implementation of the Making Grand Grand vision for a Complete Street. Experience wider sidewalks, new green space, a two-way cycletrack for bikes, parklets, pop-up shops, bike share, a solar-powered bus shelter, and much more. http://betterblockkc.tumblr.com
20th and I-35 underpass
I-35 divides the Westside neighborhood and creates an intimidating barrier under the highway. See how this barrier can be mitigated with improvements to make it safer and more attractive for people on foot. This tactical urbanism project is the result of BikeWalkKC’s participation in the Eco Abet summer design charette. Stay tuned to our web site, Facebook, or Twitter for details on this event.
BikeWalkKC Business Membership is a new option to invest in a better Kansas City
BikeWalkKC’s new business membership is a great way for invest in making Greater Kansas City a dynamic place to live, work, and play. Increasing bicycling and walking improves our city's health, environment, and economy. Today's talented and mobile workforce wants to live in vibrant cities with accessible options to walk and bike for transportation, recreation, and fitness.
All business memberships include a complimentary on-site evaluation and action plan to help your organization be an awesome Bike Friendly Employer. Visit https://bikewalkkc.org/business to learn more.
Celebrate Walking and Biking to School this month
October is International Walk to School Month, and this Wednesday is Walk to School Day around the metro area. BikeWalkKC has partnered with schools around the region to plan a range of events like Walking School Buses to get kids walking and biking to school safely. Check out https://bikewalkkc.org/walktoschool to see if your school is participating.
We are also working to improve local policies and plans. Last month we partnered with the KC Health Department to provide an intensive Safe Routes to School training class for local school officials and nonprofits.
Development on 51st Street could impact the Trolley Track Trail
You may have already heard that new mixed-use development anchored by Whole Foods is planned for a UMKC parking lot at 51st and Oak. The developer is proposing a new driveway across the Trolley Track Trail, and we know that many of you are concerned. We have more information and statement about the project available here: https://bikewalkkc.org/content/whole-foods-development-proposes-new-driveway-across-trolley-track-trail
Handlebar Happy Hour returns on October 11th
Join us to celebrate cooler temps for biking and walking! Meet and mingle with other like-minded folks into bikes, urbanism, waking, car-free living, and livable communities. We will be trying out Haus, the new locally-owned restaurant featuring a wide array of German Belgian beer and sausages. This is also BikeWalkKC Executive Director Eric Rogers’ birthday, so stop by to say hi and find out how old he is!
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 31st and Gillham, https://bikewalkkc.org/events/5685
Keep up the great support for bike lanes
You have been sending some powerful messages asking for more bike lanes. Becky in the 4th District says:
"Please paint bike lanes when you repave streets this fall. My son and many others use bikes as their primary form of transportation. The ability to do this is one of the reasons we love living in KCMO. Please make it a little safer for him to do this. It is good for our city, good for our people, and good for one very worried mother's heart."
Keep up the good work and read more of your messages at https://bikewalkkc.org/paint/fall2012/messages
More upcoming events
October 5th – Rock. Paper. Scissors. Our own Sarah Shipley will be competing at this fun contest for corporate bragging rights. Stop by to cheer her on and meet the Kansas City B-cycle Street Team. 5:00 p.m. at Missouri Bank, 125 Southwest Boulevard (at Wyandotte Street)
October 6th – Tour de BBQ. Volunteers needed to join BikeWalkKC’s course marshall team. https://bikewalkkc.org/content/volunteer-us-october
October 9th – Brush Creek improvements open house. Learn about and comment on proposals for new recreation and habitat features near Bruce R. Watkins Drive/US 71 Highway. https://bikewalkkc.org/events/5697
October 11th – Handlebar Happy Hour. Join us at Haus, the new German/Belgian beer and sausage bar in on Martini Corner in Union Hill. https://bikewalkkc.org/events/5685
October 13th – Bike Valet at Rhythm and Ribs. Bike to the jazz/BBQ fest and keep your bike parked safe and secure. Volunteers needed – https://bikewalkkc.org/content/volunteer-us-october.
October 13th – Green Living Bike Tour. Take a pedal-powered tour of sustainable arts, architecture, and food in the Crossroads Arts District. https://bikewalkkc.org/events/5686
October 19th – 21st – Advocacy Boot Camp. KC is hosting one of only four national trainings for advocates of walking, biking, urbanism, people with disabilities, sustainability, neighborhoods, etc. https://bikewalkkc.org/winning
Please join BikeWalkKC today
We need your help to keep the region moving forward in 2012 with better walking and bicycling. Your membership helps us deliver great projects and programs like Bike Week, advocacy for funding sidewalks and trails, and low-cost bike education classes.
We have membership levels to fit any budget, and they all include discounts at great local businesses. Join today at https://bikewalkkc.org/join.