20 APR 2004: Cyclist support needed for improving Lone Elm Interchange (Olathe, KS)

[UPDATE 12 May 2004: Even though the public meeting is past, please consider writing, calling, or emaiiling Olathe City about this important project--see the link below for contact info.]

When: Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Time: Anytime between 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Where: Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe (Kansas City area)
Reason: New Lone Elm Road & I-35 Interchange
Public Open House

WHY?

§ WE NEED YOUR HELP! Approximately 6 concerned bicyclists attended the first public meeting for the Lone Elm Interchange but our comments have not been addressed.
§ YOU need to speak up so your tax dollars reflect you interest and provide you with a safe transportation system.
§ Lone Elm Road is a popular cycling corridor and has been documented as such in the Johnson & Wyandotte County Bicycle Transportation Plan.
§ With the opening of the new Lone Elm Park and this new interchange, it will be a more dangerous corridor without your voice.

For more information go to: http://www.olatheks.org/Lone_Elm_Interchange

Many more voices are needed at this public open house format meeting to raise the importance of cycling issues and ensure our concerns are addressed. The City of Olathe, their consultants and KDOT must hear the needs of bicyclists if this new interchange is to be designed to safely accommodate on-road bicyclist. Comments may also be submitted to the City of Olathe at www.olatheks.org via Contact Us.

ON-ROAD BICYCLE ACCOMMODATION IS NOT BEING PROPOSED ON THIS CRITICAL I-35 CROSSING.

ONLY YOU CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE ON APRIL 21st!

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SAFETY IN THE HANDS OF OTHERS
or
ASSUME OTHERS WILL SPEAK FOR YOU!

THE HARD FACTS

§ Lone Elm Road is frequent and popular route for many on-road bicyclists.
§ Newly opened Lone Elm Park, with its softball and soccer fields, has
significantly increased automobile traffic already.
§ Addition of this interchange will further increase traffic volumes.
§ In 20 years car and truck traffic projections are expected to quadruple.
§ Bicyclists deserve a safe roadway system.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Current roadway design:

§ Does not include wide outside lanes
§ Does not include bike lanes
§ Provides one multi-purpose trail on one side.
§ Projected traffic volumes warrant on-road bicycle specific accommodations.

WHAT'S THE BICYCLE FRIENDLY SOLUTION?

§ Express your concerns for your safety needs on Wednesday, April 21.
§ Ask for extra wide lanes for two-way shared auto and bicycle use in both directions in Phase 1.
§ Ask for 5' bike lanes in both directions as part of Phase 2 and the final
design.

YOUR FUTURE

With your input the Lone Elm Interchange can be a model facility for the Kansas City metro region, illustrating how automobile and full bicycle
accommodation can be accomplished. A model facility would provide a safe, friendly traveling environment for all motorists, on-road bicyclists and recreational trail users.

ACT NOW TO PRESERVE THIS BICYCLING CORRIDOR FOR THE FUTURE!

"A safe road for bicyclists is a safe road for all"
Dale Crawford, JCBC Advocacy Chair
www.jcbikeclub.org