BikeWalkKC Education Programs Combine Policy and Advocacy
By David Hansen, BikeWalkKC Instructor
This spring, two BikeWalkKC-sponsored Bike Clubs met with KCMO government officials to learn about and offer input on the new #KCBikePlan.
Student
s from Kansas City Public School’s East High School Bike Club rode their bikes to City Hall on May 4th and sat in on a city council session, where Mayor James and council members passed a resolution declaring May Bike Month in Kansas City. The students stood behind the mayor while multiple council members spoke with enthusiasm about the city’s renewed pledge to make its streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The students then met with members of the City Planning and Development office to hear firsthand what the bike plan means for them and for their city. They each filled out the bike plan survey, which will help inform the city on specific improvements the plan should address.
Alta Vista High School’s Bike Club hosted city planners the following week. They discussed at length the particular challenges they face in the east and northeast neighborhoods of KCMO.
These were incredible opportunities to introduce city officials to some of the riders who will benefit most from the new bike plan – these students live in areas of KCMO where very little cycling infrastructure currently exists. The bikes they received from BikeWalkKC may be the only vehicles they personally own. BIkeWalkKC’s Bike Club program gave students a chance to raise their voices about things they care about in their community.
We encourage all KCMO residents concerned about liveable streets to fill out the bike plan survey. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to make Kansas City’s roadways safer for everyone.
To learn how you can bring Bike Club and/or our other Youth Education programs to your school, please contact education@bikewalkkc.org.