Better Block KC – October 4
Better Block KC returns for a second year to show how one block of Main Street will look with the upcoming streetcar starter line. Construction on this dynamic addition to our streetscape is slated to begin this year and Better Block is giving people a sneak peek at what it might look like. The Better Block project “transforms a street to show the potential for a great, walkable, vibrant neighborhood.” This year’s event will feature a mock-up of the streetcar starter line. Check out this realization of a vision at Main and 19th Street and learn all about it at http://betterblockkc.tumblr.com.
Tweed Ride – October 5
Bust out your finest argyle, tweed and wool and join us for the fourth annual Kansas City Tweed Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Cliff Drive in historic Northeast Kansas City. There will be raffle prizes and competitions for Best Dressed Man and Woman, Best Bicycle and Best Facial Hair (bust out that mustache wax, fellas). The ride ends with a picnic at Scarritt Point.
Register on the BikeWalkKC website and visit http://kctweedindeed.wordpress.com/ for more information!
Bike commuting jumps in Kansas City
More Kansas Citians than ever are commuting by bike, according to new U.S. Census data. In 2012 Kansas City, MO ranked 49th out of the 70 most populous US cities for bike community, a giant leap from 2011's #59 ranking. Bike commuting jumped 42% in Kansas City last year, compared with just a 10% increase nationwide. Biking is also now 0.4% of all trips to work in KC, compared with 0.6% nationally. All are signs that KC is steadily making progress towards reaching the national average for bike commuting.
Jeff Speck/KCRTA lunch on October 8
Walk to School Day – October 9
BikeWalkKC has partnered with the Mid-America Regional Council to sponsor Greater Kansas City’s celebration of International Walk to School Day on Oct. 9. International Walk to School Day gives children, parents, schools, teachers, and community leaders the opportunity to be part of a global event while celebrating the many benefits of walking. Individual schools organize their own events, while we provide technical assistance, advice, and publicity. See a list of participating schools and visit WalktoSchoolKC.com for more information about how to get involved.
Handlebar Happy Hour on October 17th
Join us for our Handlebar Happy Hour and Bike Lock Clinic at La Bodega on Southwest Boulevard on October 17th. We’ll be joined by Stolen Bikes KC to teach attendees where and how to lock your bike, the best tools for locking your bike, and reporting and working with authorities if your bike is ever stolen. We will be selling OnGuard U-Locks at a 30% discounted price. Register on our website to reserve a lock. After the class, guests can enjoy complimentary tapas and take advantage of happy hour specials. La Bodega is extending specials to 7:30 p.m. just for Handlebar Happy Hour guests.
Details and RSVP for Handlebar Happy Hour
Each month BikeWalkKC brings together cyclists and non-cyclists alike to hang out, make new friends, and share ideas about how to improve the community. Join us!
Streetcar Meetings
City Hall is moving forward with planning for future streetcar routes, including many streets with current or planned bike lanes. Attend one of these public meetings to learn more, provide your input, and support new transportation options for Kansas City. Visit the Next Rail KC web site for more about the streetcar expansion project.
Christmas in the Park on Bikes – Save the Date, December 7th
Last year Jackson County Parks' popular Christmas in the Park tradition included bikes for the first time, and this year they are expanding it to a full-fledged midnight bike ride. Save the date of December 7th for Trip the Light Fantastic, a Magical Midnight Ride Through Jackson County's Christmas in the Park. Stay tuned for more details in next month's newsletter!