All of us at BikeWalkKC are grateful for YOU: the members, supporters, advocates, volunteers, and champions for making the Kansas City region a place for people to build a culture of active living. In the spirit of the season, we asked our staff what else they are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Here are some of their responses:
- Eric Vaughan, director of Kansas City BCycle: “I am thankful for the wonderful people that make up the growing Kansas City region’s bike/ped community.”
- Michael Kelley, policy coordinator: “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to address issues of equity and inclusion as they relate to transportation. It’s important for there to be other people on bikes besides professionals in spandex, and I’m excited to be a part of that effort.”
- Annamarie Weddle, planner: “I am grateful for all four seasons and their reminder of death, transition, and regrowth.”
- Laura Steele, education and outreach coordinator, “I’m thankful for the constant opportunity to question, grow, learn, fail and succeed.”
- Karl Kraemer, education operations coordinator, “I am extremely thankful to the people that support my car-free lifestyle with the occasional ride or lending of a vehicle. I could not pursue some of my passions without their help.”
- Nicole Fitzgerald, instructor, “I’m thankful for abundant sunshine, laughing with family members and the privilege to be able to relax on Thanksgiving day.”
- Areiona King, community organizer, “I’m thankful for new beginnings and birthed manifestations!”
- Liz Harris, marketing & events coordinator, “I love Kansas City, and I’m grateful for the community that makes it such a great place to live. In the end, it all comes down to the people, doesn’t it? I’m so grateful for my neighbors, friends and family in the region. We support and care for each other in a way that seems uniquely Midwestern, but probably isn’t.”
- Mark Horn, instructor, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my passion for bikes and the cycling lifestyle through the variety of programs offered by BikeWalkKC.”
- Maggie Priesmeyer, director of programs, “I’m thankful for the growing momentum and support for active transportation in our region and the passionate and dedicated staff at BikeWalkKC who work hard every day to make Kansas City a healthier, more connected, and more active place to live!”
- Karen Campbell, director of development & communications, “I am grateful for opportunity to share the stories of people and communities that are driving real change to improve the region. It’s working!”
- Eric Rogers, executive director, “I’m thankful for our amazing BikeWalkKC team members who work every day to make KC a better place walk, bike, and live.”
We are thankful for all that Kansas City has to offer and for the great strides we made in biking and walking in the past year. We could not have done any of it without your help and support!
