Bike Month: Raytown Cyclists Take it to the Streets

The following article appeared in today's Raytown Tribune under the headline "Raytown Cyclists Take it to the Streets":

A group of Raytown bicyclists were on hand to receive a proclamation from Raytown Mayor Sue Frank declaring May "Raytown Bike Month" at the City Council meeting May 6th.

The proclamation says that bicycling is "a wholesome leisurely activity as well as an environmentally-friendly alternative to the automobile." May is the 48th annual National Bike Month.

"It's a little-known fact that Raytown is a great city for bicycling," said Brent Hugh, member of the Board of Directors of the Missouri Bicycle Federation and Raytown resident. "Bicyclists can find so many quiet neighborhood streets and side-streets that are very low-traffic and pleasant for bicycling. I can ride to the store, library, nearby schools, parks, and many other places all around Raytown, riding only on quiet, residential streets."

Hugh adds that Raytown parks have some very nice trails for walking and bicycling.

"Bike Month gives Raytowners a good excuse to have some fun exploring Raytown from the seat of a bicycle. How far can you bike from your home, keeping completely on quiet, comfortable streets?" asks Hugh. "You might be surprised."

Hugh has lost 35 pounds since Raytown installed bicycle lanes on 59th Street near his home. He began riding by exploring one mile of "bike friendly" 59th Street and the over 20 miles of quiet residential streets that interconnect with it.

He has worked out routes on quiet residential streets from his home to destinations as distant as Arrowhead Stadium, Longview Lake, Swope Park, and Blue Ridge Mall.

At the meeting, Alderman Greg Walters outlined recent and future projects that are making Raytown even friendlier for bicycling. He mentioned the bike lanes on 59th Street, planned bicycle lanes on 87th Street, and a number of future projects.

At the meeting the Board of Aldermen also adopted a resolution declaring May 19-23rd Bike to Work week in Raytown. These dates coincide with the Mid-America Regional Council's "Bicycle/Pedestrian Commuter Challenge" which is designed to encourage workers from around the metro area to bike, walk, or take the bus to work at least once during that week.

"Bicycling is a fun, fast, safe, and healthy way to get around Raytown," says Hugh. "Just get out there and try it!"