Safer streets are possible, but we need your help

We’ve come a long way, but the work is far from over Give now to help us fight for safer streets Automobile crashes are on the rise across the KC metro. Over the last five years, our region has averaged 233 crash-related deaths and 1200 serious injuries per year. In 2020, over 100 people have died […]

BikeWalkKC Policy Manager Michael Kelley named National Emerging Leader of the Year by the League of American Bicyclists

Celebrate with Michael and other award winners virtually on May 14th at 4:30pm Every year the National Bike Summit recognizes individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the bike/ped movement. Due to the pandemic the Summit went virtual, and during May Bike Month so will the award celebrations. We are excited to share the news […]

A Model Policy for Complete Streets

As part of our efforts at the state level to support active transportation, BikeWalkKC works with the group Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT). MRT works to “develop strong communities by aligning local and regional advocacy efforts for streets, roads, and trails that work for all Missourians” and we do that in collaboration with partners from […]

Policy Brief #1: Where Housing and Transportation Intersect

We will be releasing a series of policy briefs that highlight the overlap between multimodal transportation and other important issues for the metro. This is the first installment of that series. Housing is not truly affordable if residents must drive everywhere to access jobs, education, and other services. Many households in Kansas City spend as […]

Why do we care about Armour Road in North Kansas City?

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 […]

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 […]