The following note from KDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator Becky Pepper announces a new state-wide transportation planning initiative in Kansas.  Missouri recently went through a similar effort and bike/ped advocates worked very hard to include our concerns.  If you live, work, or bike in Kansas, please consider attending one of the public meetings and voicing your support for a truly integrated transportation system that includes all users and modes.

Kansas Bicycle and Pedestrian Community,

On August 14, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the creation of a transportation task force called “Transportation Leveraging Investments in Kansas” (T-LINK) charged with developing our state’s next transportation program.  The T-LINK task force will develop recommendations for an approach that recognizes all forms of transportation and serves the future of our state.  We have heard from Governor Sebelius that bicycle and pedestrian needs will be paramount to the discussion of a new transportation program!

As a companion to T-LINK, staff from KDOT and members of the task force will be travelling the state in September to assess needs through Local Consult Meetings.  These meetings will take place in Ulysses, Hays, Hutchinson, Abilene, Topeka, Olathe, Wichita, and Pittsburg.  I encourage all bicycle and pedestrian providers and advocates to attend a Local Consult meeting!  The input received at these meetings will shape the language of the transportation program.

For additional information, meeting dates, and continuous updates about T-LINK progress please visit the website: www.kansastlink.com.   The meeting dates listed on the website are not final, so please check back often.

Please pass this email along to any other individuals or groups that you feel may want to take advantage of this opportunity.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Local Consult Meetings.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Becky Pepper
State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Kansas Department of Transportation
Bureau of Transportation Planning
700 SW Harrison
Topeka, KS 66603-3754
(p)785-296-8593
(f) 785-296-0963