IN YOUR COMMUNITY > MISSOURI STATEWIDE ISSUES
Decisions made in Jefferson City often impact the livability of local communities here in the Kansas City region. BikeWalkKC works on several statewide issues that are important to our local residents. In Jefferson City we work through Missourians for Responsible Transportation, a partnership of the state’s professional local advocacy organizations (Trailnet in St. Louis, Local Motion in Columbia, and Ozark Greenways in Springfield).
BikeWalkKC also regularly partners with many other organizations that share our goals for livable, active communities, including AARP, American Heart Association, Missouri Council on Activity and Nutrition, LISC, and others.
Current Active Transportation Issues in Missouri
Rock Island Corridor
BikeWalkKC and MRT are part of the fundraising cabinet working to ensure Missouri State Parks has the needed resources to accept the donation of the rail corridor for future development into a second cross-state rail trail.
Transportation Funding
We encourage the executive and legislative branches to step up and provide leadership to solve Missouri’s transportation funding crisis. Today Missouri provides zero state funding for active transportation. Our state has one of the lowest levels of public transit funding. State support for passenger rail is often an annual battle. Any reform or increase in transportation funding must be multi-modal and ensure stable, long term, and meaningful support for transit, walking, biking, and passenger rail.
Legislative Priorities
- Distracted Driving: Extend the texting ban to adults 18 and older
- Vulnerable Road Users: Increase the penalties for motorists who injure or kill people walking or biking, and ensure they don’t get off with a slap on the wrist
- Playing Defense: Legislators have introduced some harmful and/or crazy bills in recent years. Defending against these bills are often as important as advocating for improved laws and policies.
Executive Branch Priorities
- Re-activate the dormant Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
- Develop state-wide bicycle and pedestrian plans
- Make bicycle tourism a priority for Missouri
- Coordinate active transportation and active living policy among the executive branch departments like Health and Senior Services, Economic Development, and Elementary and Secondary Education