4 champions fighting for safer streets in the KC metro

A common phrase used at BikeWalkKC is that “Advocacy is a team sport.” What this means is that the progress that we make towards redefining our streets as places for people is not something that BikeWalkKC can do alone. It is often because of everyday people and champions in key positions that we’re able to push for better walking, accessibility, biking, and transit throughout the region.

With that in mind, we want to close out 2024 by taking a moment to recognize some of the champions in our region who have been outstanding partners in the push for active transportation. We’re recognizing partners in each of the four categories below:

• Community Partner: This recognition goes to an individual who has worked to bring about real improvements and change in their community.
• Partner Organization: This recognition goes to an organization who has worked with BikeWalkKC on advocacy efforts in a meaningful way.
• Champion Elected Official: This recognition goes to an elected official who has championed policies, plans, and/or projects that support multimodal transportation.
• Champion Staff: This recognition goes to a city staff member who has worked to get those policies, plans, and projects from the paper to the pavement.

Josh has been a vocal champion for active transportation in the community of Mission, Kansas. This began with his work to ensure multimodal elements were included in the update to the city’s comprehensive plan as well as his involvement with the Planning Sustainable Places grant the city received this year as well. Josh currently serves on the Mission Sustainability Commission and the Johnson County Transportation Council. He also completed the Kansas State Walking College Fellowship in 2023.

“'Walkable city' is my favorite climate solution. Active transportation promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces environmental impact, lowers transportation and infrastructure costs, and strengthens community connections for everyone. Enhancing walkability is a simple yet profound way to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community."

The KC Public Library has been a fantastic partner this year, especially on the advocacy front. They collaborated with BikeWalkKC to host five showings of the traffic safety documentary The Street Project. They also hosted the inaugural Community Transportation Academy at their Plaza Branch as well. Jamie Placht, the Health and Wellbeing Specialist for the library, accepted the recognition on their behalf.

"Active transportation is important to the Kansas City Public Library because healthier and more accessible modes of transportation typically lead to a more engaged community. One of our core values is making knowledge and information accessible and equitable to everyone, and active transportation is critical in accomplishing this goal."

Councilwoman Cheatham has been working to bring more aspects of walking and biking to the forefront of Overland Park. Most notably, she worked with other councilmembers to ensure aspects of multimodal transportation were included in the final version of Framework OP, the update to the city’s comprehensive plan. She’s also working to ensure multimodal elements play a central role in how the city uses funds received from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant.

“Active transportation is important to me because it's good for our health, good for our climate, and good for our communities. It builds connection to each other and the world around us, and helps us and the planet feel better.”

Bailey has been a consistent champion within the City of Kansas City, Missouri for active transportation. As the chief mobility officer for the city, Bailey has played a prominent role in the efforts to implement the Vision Zero Action Plan: repairing sidewalks, installing speed humps, instituting road diets, and more. She also led efforts to install the new protected bike lanes on Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard.

“Active transportation is important to me because it brings people together in public spaces and allows opportunities to meet your neighbors.”

BikeWalkKC congratulates all of these partners for their hard work, and again wants to thank all of our partners who work day in and day out to make active transportation safer and easier for everyone.

Did you know that 68% of crashes in Kansas City happen on only 13% of our streets? If crashes are predictable, then crashes are preventable. A brighter future is possible, but we need your help to keep up the momentum for safer streets. Click here to get involved and join the movement to for a safer, happier, healthier Kansas City metro.