For the love of safer streets for his neighbors... thank you, Michael!
Earlier this month Michael Kelley wrapped up a tremendous eight year run at BikeWalkKC, moving to a new opportunity locally at the DeBruce Foundation. Michael’s time with us included many significant wins and progress towards our goal of making Kansas City a place where we are no longer required to drive in order to thrive. Here are just a few:
- Emerging Advocate of the Year award
- Supporting victims of traffic violence and their families
- Representing pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders in the halls of power and at the tables where decisions are made
- Lobbying for better policies and more funding in Jefferson City, Topeka, and the U.S. Congress
- Building grassroots capacity and power
- Writing Complete Streets policies for local communities and creating a nationally recognized Complete Streets template
- Repealing KCMO’s jaywalking law and co-wrote a how-to guide with the Safe Routes Partnership for advocates in communities across the U.S. looking to make similar reforms
Everyone at BikeWalkKC will miss Michael’s compassion, professionalism, his intense fear of spiders, stinging high fives, and so many corny Dad jokes. We wish Michael the very best in his future adventures!
▶️ In related news... we're hiring a Policy Director! Click here to learn more about the position and apply
Grants, awards, and educational opportunities for you and your community - APPLY NOW!
Due Feb. 10 Community Change Grant from America Walks
The Community Change Grants program supports the neighborhood champions, organizations, and agencies working to make their communities safer and happier places to walk.
Due Feb. 13 BLAST for one Kansas school district
BikeWalkKC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will award one Kansas school district with a bike safety program, including teacher training and all necessary equipment and supplies.
Due Feb. 16 Walking College from America Walks
The Walking College is an online educational program for community champions eager to expand walkable, vibrant, safe places.
Due March 10 Bicycle Friendly Business Award from the League of American Bicyclists
The Bicycle Friendly Businessâ„ program recognizes employers for their efforts to encourage a welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers, and the community.
Due March 27 League Cycling Instructor Training Seminar
Prospective bike safety educators will receive training on cycling instruction using the Smart Cycling curriculum presented by the League of American Bicyclists.
Bike Share KC is pedaling into 2026
“I ride the bike home almost every day from my job at the Kansas City public library. It is my absolute favorite part of my day!!”
“Bike Share KC changed my mind about e-bikes! I also recommend it as an option to whoever is interested in starting their cycling journey as a low barrier to entry option.”
“This year we went from a 2 car household to a 1 car household in part because of the ability to use Bike Share KC for many of my regular trips.”
Riders had great feedback for the Bike Share KC team, and one theme stood out in bold letters: "More bikes and more hubs, please!"Â
Good news-- we're expanding in 2026! Stay tuned for more hubs, more bikes, and more flexibility with membership options coming later this spring. Sign up for our Bike Share mailing list to be the first to know.
Get in touch! Email us at info@ridekcbike.com or browse our Frequently Asked Questions
What we're reading
Kids didn’t feel safe walking to school. 2 JoCo cities work together on upgrades | Parent outcry spurs safer streets near Corinth Elementary (Kansas City Star)
Parkville growth brings new traffic plans, safety concerns | City proposes pedestrian-focused redesign, new downtown road near railroad tracks. (KSHB)
Kansas City considers crosswalk improvements focused on pedestrian safety | "So the safe choice here is us as policy makers, ensuring that people are more likely to get that walk signal.” (KCTV5)
Olathe ready to spend $900k on traffic safety near schools this year. Here’s why | In response to community concerns about speeding cars, traffic crashes and unsafe pedestrian crossings, the city plans to implement traffic control devices, new signage, parking lot modifications, and other measures. (Kansas City Star)
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