As the region’s only metro-wide pedestrian/bicycle advocacy organization, BikeWalkKC works in city halls across the five-county region to speak up for improvements to the built environment for all who live, work, and visit our cities. North Kansas City is one such city that we believe has been a leader in planning and implementing projects that […]
Tag Archives: policy
The ABCs of a DOT for KC
One of the mobility-related issues that has come up in the debates for the June 18th KCMO Mayoral and City Council election is the idea of a city-level Department of Transportation, or DOT. It’s an idea that we have been researching and studying for some time now. This is why we believe a KC DOT could be an effective strategy for improving mobility across the city and addressing the many challenges of a fractured transportation structure spread across multiple silos in City Hall. It could be especially effective in addressing long standing community frustration with the pace of improvements for people who walk, bike, and use transit.
Partner Profile: Health Forward Foundation
One of the benefits of working with local foundations is the deeply connected relationship a nonprofit builds with the organization. Since our very early days, BikeWalkKC has been a recipient of support from the Health Forward Foundation (HFF, formerly the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City). The Health Forward Foundation advocates for healthy and equitable communities […]
How to get the most out of a public meeting
Do you ever wonder how you can affect change in your own neighborhood? Policy Coordinator Michael Kelley shares how you can join the conversation at public meetings and speak up for what matters to you. BikeWalkKC regularly works in both the advocacy and planning realms to foster policy and changes to the built environment that […]
Missouri Senate Approves Tax Reform Bill and Fuel Tax Increase
Suddenly, and with virtually no debate, the Missouri Senate passed SB 617 last Wednesday, a sweeping tax reform bill which includes a provision that will raise the state’s fuel tax gradually from 17 cents per gallon to 23 cents over the course of three years. SB 617 would increase the state’s excise tax on fuel […]
Westport Ordinance Passed – What Now?
by Michael Kelley, Policy Coordinator After much heated debate, the KCMO City Council passed Ordinance No. 170893, which allows the City to privatize the sidewalks of Westport, specifically in the area of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. There’s a great deal of information to unpack here, but for now, we’ll stick with what’s in the […]
Complete Streets are a reason to #FeelGoodFriday!
by Michael Kelley, Policy Coordinator Well, it took a three-hour session, two trips to City Hall, and one wooden bow tie, but… KCMO is getting Complete Streets! Yesterday, the Complete Streets ordinance came up for a vote before the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passed, which we were expecting. The ordinance was co-sponsored […]
Complete Streets Ordinance Heading to City Council
The recent passage of the ballot measure to build a new terminal for KCI has already brought a number of benefits to the City of Fountains. In addition to demonstrating that our city can come together for an important cause, it is a prime example of the next chapter in Kansas City’s development. But while we […]
BikeWalkKC opposes privatizing Westport streets and sidewalks
This week City Hall is again considering a proposal from Westport bar owners to privatize streets and sidewalks in the neighborhood. BikeWalkKC is opposing this plan because it is contrary to our mission of redefining our streets as places for people to build a culture of active living. It undermines many city plans to make […]
Action Alert: Lenexa City Council Complete Streets policy presentation on June 13th
Please show up to support bike lanes and other improvements for people who walk and bike. The City of Lenexa, KS usually focuses on trails instead of on-street bike lanes, but that might be changing. On Tuesday, June 13th the City Council will hear a presentation about Complete Streets, the idea that our city streets should […]