An amended version advances which will allow for better planning and community engagement.
Earlier today, the KCMO transportation committee met to discuss Ordinance 210966, which, in its original iteration, would have significantly limited efforts to implement Complete Streets and Vision Zero if adopted. BikeWalkKC had worked with Councilwoman Robinson to try to address issues with the legislation, but it still did not address the inclusion of voices too often left out of the traditional neighborhood association system, and represented a step back for safer streets in Kansas City.
In the final hours before the committee meeting, Councilman Bunch offered an amended version of the ordinance which placed an emphasis on using planning and community engagement together to strengthen the process of installing new bike lanes.
You can see the amended ordinance by clicking here.
BikeWalkKC spoke in favor of the amendment, and we had backup from 3rd District residents and everyday citizens who spoke up for safer streets, a better planning process, and a cleaner climate. That, coupled with the more than 100 emails in opposition to the original ordinance made a difference. The committee ultimately voted to stop the original version and advance the amended version!
Full City Council votes tomorrow (12/16/21), so contact your councilmember today!
We’re not done yet! There is still an opportunity to speak up and ensure KCMO does a better job of planning and engaging when it comes to new bike facilities. Contact your councilmembers and tell them you support the amended version of 210966, and ask them to do the same.
The full City Council is expected to vote on the measure tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. There will not be another opportunity to testify in person at City Hall so if you are a KCMO resident, be sure to call and email them as soon as you can (Emails are good, but telephone calls or voicemails are the most impactful and effective ways to make your voice heard)!