BikeWalkKC Endorses the Independence Infrastructure Bond and encourages a YES vote on April 8th!

Independence, MO voters will be asked to approve an infrastructure investment that includes $10 million for much needed sidewalks around seven schools.

Bike and pedestrian education is one of the key ways that BikeWalkKC fulfills our mission to redefine our streets as places for people to build a culture of active living. Our youth education team works hard to deliver programming that teaches students the joys of safely walking and biking for fitness, transportation, and fun. However, many students are not able to walk or ride because of issues with the built environment, like missing or broken sidewalks. We cannot expect students to walk or bike safely if they do not have the infrastructure to do so.

That’s why we’re excited about a big development coming from the City of Independence, MO!

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Independence voters will go to the polls to vote on whether the city should issue $197 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvements projects. That includes $10 million for fixing or installing sidewalks for seven schools in the Independence and Fort Osage school districts.

Learn more about IndeGO Bond 2025 by clicking here.

BikeWalkKC endorses the bond measure because it will create safe routes to school for students, easier access to parks for families, and stronger connectivity for all residents.

Our education team has conducted built environment assessments at several schools. The assessments identify challenges like broken sidewalks, missing crosswalks, vacant lots, and other challenges that students face when walking or biking to school and their neighborhoods. We have completed assessments for the following schools:

• Blackburn Elementary
• Cassell Park Elementary
• Ott Elementary

Additionally, BikeWalkKC believes that funding from the bond supports broader goals for the city. This includes priorities identified in the Independence Transportation for All plan that we helped create:

• Gap-Filling and Maintenance in Environmental Justice Areas: If passed, the IndeGO Bond would allow city leaders to roughly double the amount being spent each year on street repair. Staff will determine roadways in need of repair while also ensuring equity across the four council districts.
• Access to Parks and Commercial Districts: The proposed plans to improve sidewalks will have the added benefit of making access to parks safer and easier. For example, Ott Elementary is a mile from Mill Creek Park. Making improvements around the school could support broader efforts to improve access to the park as well.

The City of Independence has a big opportunity to build a safer, better transportation system with the proposed IndeGO Bond. BikeWalkKC supports this measure and recommends a YES vote on April 8th.