Let’s Go KC is asking KCMO citizens to speak up for funding maintenance of trails, bike lanes, bike racks, etc.  The city has finally started investing in these facilities, but has yet to budget for ongoing repair and upkeep.

With the 2010-2011 city budget under review this month, now is the time to let City Councilmembers know that it is important to maintain these new investments.

Send a letter and/or attend a public budget hearing.

Independence is beginning to update its long ranger master plan, which was last updated in 1993.  The update will guide the city’s development through 2030.  Right now the city is surveying people on their opinions about land use and transportation.  If you are interested in making Independence more livable by giving residents better transportation choices, fill out the two surveys and consider these points….

Independence Comprehensive Plan and citizen surveys.

Transportation key points:

• Improved transit service that connects residents with jobs, schools, and shopping – both inside Independence and with the rest of the metro area.
• Participation in regional transit initiatives for commuter rail and bus rapid transit.
• Dedicated transit funding that provides for a stable system free of the current yearly funding debates.
• Sidewalks on both sides of every street for pedestrian access and safety.
• Bicycle routes that service a transportation purpose by connecting housing with employment, schools, and shops, e.g. on-street bike lanes or on-street trails specifically designed for transportation.
• Adopt a Complete Streets policy stating that roads should be designed for all users – motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, the elderly, the disabled, and children.
• Encourage a street grid that connects adjacent neighborhoods in order to improve access and slow traffic.

Land use key points:

• Prioritize redevelopment of existing areas over development of farmland and greenfield sites.
• Discourage leap-frog development that is built away from existing development and existing infrastructure.
• Cluster homes and businesses in more compact areas to project open space, reduce stormwater runoff, and make neighborhoods more walkable.

Take the surveys now

Yesterday the US Senate voted down a proposal to cut Transportation Enhancements (T.E.) from the federal transportation system.  T.E. is one of the primary sources of funding alternative transportation projects like transit facilities, bus shelters,  multi-use trails, bike lanes, sidewalks, etc.

Missouri Senator Kid Bond was the only local Senator to vote against the failed bid to cut Transportation Enhancements. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill and Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback all voted to cut T.E.

If you would like thank Senator Bond for protecting Transportation Enhancements or express your disappointment to the other Senators for voting against T.E., here is their contact info. You can learn more about this issue at the League of American Bicyclists.

Missouri

Senator Kit Bond: (202) 224-5721 – Email (thank him for supporting T.E.)

Senator Claire McCaskill: (202) 224-6154 – Email

Kansas

Senator Pat Roberts: (202) 224-4774 – Email

Senator Sam Brownback: (202) 224-6521 – Email