Missouri Bicycle News Article

A proposal to build a 14-mile starter light rail line in Kansas City is on the Nov. 4th ballot.

According to Light Rail proponents, the system will integrate with bicycling and walking to create a seamless transportation system--even including a new bike/ped path on the planned light rail bridge over the Missouri River.

Pedestrian Experience
The Kansas City Council's resolution expressing the council's intentions in carrying out the ballot initiative addresses the pedestrian issue: "it is the intention of the City of Kansas to fashion light rail so that it enhances the pedestrian experience citywide"

Bicycle Integration
The City Council resolution does not address integration of the system with bicycling (an oversight?). However, Mark Huffer, General Manager of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) says:

ATA has not yet set an official "policy" regarding bikes. However, let me share this. It would very much be my intent to allow bikes on trains as most systems do. When I lived in St. Louis, I often commuted by bike to train, so I embrace the opportunity. ATA has made a commitment to bicyclists and our entire fleet of fixed route services is now bicycle-rack equipped. A recent survey indicated that bikes were put on our racks over 200 times per day. I am also confident we will consider bike racks on the trains and bike racks and/or lockers at stations.

Bike/Ped Bridge over the Missouri River
Patrick McLarney, chair of the Light Rail Campaign Committee for Kansas City, adds this important bit of information:

Bike lanes are planned for the new bridge crossing the Missouri river. The bridge will accommodate light rail, bicycles and pedestrians but not vehicular traffic. This could open up enormous opportunities for bike lanes north and south of the river connecting.

Find out more about Kansas City's light rail proposal at www.kcrail.com or by calling 816-373-RAIL.

Related:

News: Kansas City Trails Plan moving forward

News: KCMO city council passes resolution in favor of bicycling/walking on the new Paseo Bridge

News: Bike KC initiative actually underway

News: Riverside Trail opens in KC Metro area; KCMO trails plan urged

News: Bike/ped access for new Washington, MO, river bridge?