PRESS RELEASE: Paseo Bridge Groundbreaking Attracts Bicyclists Apr 18th

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact information:
Dr. Brent Hugh
Executive Director
Missouri Bicycle Federation
876-695-6736
director@MoBikeFed.org

Eric Rogers
Co-Founder, Let's Go KC
Member of the Board, Missouri Bicycle Federation
816-304-9533
eric@ericrogers.org


Bicyclists, Pedestrians, Transit Users, Trail Supporters to Attend Paseo Bridge Groundbreaking

Attendance will support Paseo Bridge project and emphasize need for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access across the Missouri River in Kansas City

Bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users from across the metro area are planning to meet to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Paseo Bridge on Friday, April 18th at 2:00 P.M.

Bicyclists gather at River Market, leaving promptly at 1:40 PM to bicycle to the Groundbreaking.

"MoDOT has a plan for a pedestrian and bicycle path on the new bridge, but so far they are not willing to actually build it," said Missouri Bicycle Federation Board Member Eric Rogers. "We are attending the ground-breaking ceremony to be a visible reminder to MoDOT, Senator Kit Bond, Mayor Mark Funkhauser, Mayor Gene Bruns, and other officials attending the event, that much work is still needed to make this new bridge truly usable for all people."

"With the triple challenges of climate change, rising gasoline costs, and rising concern about community health and obesity, it makes no sense make such a large investment of public resources without including alternative transportation modes like walking and bicycling," said Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh.

"Providing for bicycling and walking is by far the most cost-effective way to reduce pollution, congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and meet very real transportation needs."

"Paseo Bridge planners found a 10 foot width of deck space on the planned bridge deck for a bicycle/pedestrian path, essentially for free," said Hugh. "With a small additional investment in bridge approaches, the first safe bicycle/pedestrian Missouri River crossing near downtown Kansas City becomes a reality--at a far lower price than any other potential bicycle/pedestrian river crossing."

The Groundbreaking ceremony is at 2PM Friday April 12th, 2008, at the Isle of Capri Casino.

Find out more at http://letsgokc.com/archives/44


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The Missouri Bicycle Federation, founded in 1994, represents the interests of bicyclists, walkers, runners, and trail users throughout Missouri. Through its network of affiliated clubs and groups, MoBikeFed represents over 15,000 Missouri citizens and speaks for the 2 million Missourians who bicycle regularly and the 5.8 million who walk.

The Missouri Bicycle Federation is working to realize its vision of active transportation in Missouri by creating a world-class bicycle and pedestrian network in Missouri, building a movement around walking and bicycling, encouraging more walking and bicycling, and increasing safety for all road users.

Find out more or join the federation at http://MoBikeFed.org


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Related:

News: New Paseo Bridge to include space for bike/ped

Newsletter: Press Release: Bicyclists Attend Paseo Bridge Groundbreaking to Support a Bike/Ped River Crossing (4/2008)

News: Bicyclists attend Paseo Bridge groundbreaking

Newsletter: PRESS RELEASE: Paseo Bridge, why bicycle/pedestrian path is needed now

News: Put People on Paseo Campaign in Kansas City Star; Boneheaded MoDOT comments drive me to pledge another $1000