Our pledge campaign has done very well! We have pledges from 380 individuals, families and clubs for a total of $22,121. That is an average of more than $58.00 per pledge. I want to thank everyone for their support!

All your pledges mean so much especially in these uncertain economic times. I know there are still people who want to make pledges but haven’t made the time yet. And there are organizations and businesses that our volunteers need more time to contact and hope to talk to soon.

You can still make a pledge at: http://letsgokc.com/action/paseopledge.php

To show how many supporters we have, see the lists below.

Pledging organizations
Kansas City Bicycle Club, $1,000 matching grant: 300 members
Johnson County Bicycle Club, $500: 400 members
Clay-Platte Trackers of Kansas City, a walking club, $100
Atchison County Bicycle Club, $200: 28 members
Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation: 100 members

We have 127 members in our Facebook group
See the list of pledge supporters here
See the story in the KC Star

At this point we are trying to get information about the status of the bridge and see what we can do to help get the bicycle/pedestrian trail.

MODOT, KCMO, the Thunderhead Aliiance for Bicycling and Walking and every other official organization in the country is sending in their list of “ready to start” projects to apply for funding through the Federal Infrastructure Stimulus Package for 2009. The Paseo bridge trail is on that list as is the Heart of America bridge and Chouteau bridge.

As of now, no one knows which projects of the thousands sent in, will get funding. And, I believe, no decisions will be made until the new administration takes office.

The more people we get to pledge the better. The officials want to see broad community support and while we have it, we need more. While the amount is important, it is more important to get many people to ask for the bicycle/pedestrian trail. So tell everyone you know as the river crossing trail is so important to the community for connectivity of roads and trails, clean environment, active healthy living, economic development and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Thanks for your support! And Happy Holiday!

Laurie Chipman
Let’s Go KC, Alliance for Transportation Choice, representing 26,500 people
Missouri Bicycle Federation
Kansas City Bicycle Club Advocate