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Missouri Bicycle Federation
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Missouri Bicycle Federation, Inc.
Post Office Box 104871 Jefferson City, MO 65110-4871 MoBikeFed is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation Webmaster email: webmaster @ mobikefed .org Board info |
Monday, December 22, 2008
Letter from the Missouri Bicycle Federation to the prosecuting attorney in the sentencing of Raphael Willis for the murder of bicyclist Robert Osborn.
The prosecutor presented the letter to the judge as part of the evidence in the sentencing hearing and mentioned it in his summation. Read about the results of the sentencing hearing here. Major Crimes Unit Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney 415 East 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 RE: Sentencing hearing for Raphael Willis, 11 Dec 2008, for murder of Robert Osborn; on the heinous, atrocious, and cruel nature of the crime for our community The Missouri Bicycle Federation is a coalition of bicycling, walking, running, and trails clubs, organizations, and individuals, representing over 20,000 individuals from every part of Missouri. We represent the interests of those who bicycle and walk for recreation, health, and transportation, including over 500,000 citizens in the Kansas City metro area and 2 million Missourians who bicycle regularly. The murder of Robert Osborn is of immense concern to our membership and to the bicycling community at large. Our members walk and bicycle many hours and many miles on public roads. When we do so, we are defenseless against attacks such as those perpetrated by Mr. Willis and Mr. Brown. The only possible defense against such senseless and random attacks is our justice system. The very fact that this was a random attack, with no motive other than to hunt a person down and kill him for sport, is exactly what makes this crime heinous, atrocious, and cruel, in our viewpoint. It is exactly this type of crime that strikes fear into the hearts of our members and of other members of the public who are considering bicycling and walking on the public streets and in public places like parks and trails. The fear of been stalked and hunted, as Mr. Osborn was, or otherwise victimized by violent crime, leads many to forgo bicycling and walking in public areas. The murder of Mr. Osborn has received regional, statewide, and even nationwide notoriety in the bicycling community as a particularly heinous example of violence against bicyclists. This has a detrimental effect on the public good, far outweighing even the individual negative effect of this crime on Mr. Osborn and his family, because this fear affects tens and hundreds of thousands of individuals in the metro area who wish to walk and bicycle for health and transportation. Many citizens fear to do so because of the environment created by heinous acts such as the murder of Mr. Osborn. There is no question but that the murder of Mr. Osborn reverberated through the bicycling community in Kansas City, affecting all who heard about the murder, and creating a climate of fear and intimidation. The result of this fear, which incidents like the murder of Mr. Osborn greatly contribute to, is that people stay indoors, losing the benefits of healthy activity, fitness, community interaction, interaction with nature, and the mental, physical, and social benefits all of those bring. These are the very benefits our members work hard and donate thousands of dollars annually to support. All these positive things that help make up the fabric of a healthy society are destroyed by acts like this murder. This is particularly so because of the aggravating factors in this murder: the fact that the assailants stalked and hunted Mr. Osborn for sport, and the lack of any motive for the crime. We ask that, in view of the heinous, atrocious, and cruel nature of this crime, that you make a strong appeal to Judge Daugherty, emphasizing the heinous, atrocious, and cruel nature of the crime, emphasizing its effect on the community at large, and asking for the maximum allowable penalty for Mr. Willis. This will have these positive outcomes: • deterring further unusual and heinous crimes of this sort • keeping the defendant from repeating his crime for a longer period • helping the entire community of bicyclists, which does feel victimized and made fearful by crimes of this nature, to feel that justice has been served and that the criminal justice system is working to protect law-abiding systems from particularly heinous and atrocious crimes such as this Even if Judge Daugherty does not grant your request for the highest penalty, simply making the request and standing up vigorously in support of the innocent and defenseless bicyclist who was hunted down and killed, helps our community to feel that the justice system is working hard on its behalf and that the Prosecutor's Office is working proactively to make Jackson County a better, safer place to live. Sincerely yours, Dr. Brent D. Hugh Executive Director Missouri Bicycle Federation Raytown, Missouri
Sunday, November 02, 2008
The Missouri Bicycle Federation sent information to all candidates for office in Missouri this year, and invited each candidate to provide a statement of their position on bicycling and walking issues.
The statements from Missouri House candidates are below. Please note that this is not an endorsement of any particular candidate or party--MoBikeFed is simply passing along verbatim the information that each candidate has provided to us. This information must, of course, be considered in context together with other available information about the candidates to make a complete, informed voting decision. Missouri House District 4 * Mike Thomson (R) - thomson4rep@earthlink.net http://www.mikethomson.org/ * Richard R. Oswald (D) - roswald@rpt.coop http://www.RichardROswald.com Mike Thomson has responded with this statement: Bicycling is more that just a great sport. It is a relaxing way to stay Richard R. Oswald has responded with this statement: I enjoy bicycling and walking myself, and bicycling obviously conserves Missouri House District 59 * Jeanette Mott Oxford (D) - jeanette.oxford@house.mo.gov, http://www.jmo4rep.com * Michael J. Peters, Jr. (L) - ? Jeanette Mott Oxford has responded with this statement: Thank you for offering to pass on a message to your members in my Missouri House District 60 * Jamilah Nasheed (D) - Jamilah.Nasheed@house.mo.gov Ms. Nasheed has responded with this statement: The Missouri Bicycle Federation has my full support. I look Ms. Nasheed is running unopposed in this election. Missouri House District 83 * Jake Zimmerman (D) - Jake.Zimmerman@house.mo.gov Zimmerman has responded with this statement: I'm not much of a cyclist, but I regularly walk from 4-10 miles a day for Mr. Zimmerman is running unopposed in this race. Missouri House District 87 * John J. Diehl, Jr. (R) - ? * Mark Zoole (D) - mark@markzoole.com, http://www.markzoole.com Mark Zoole has responded with this statement: I am Mark Zoole, Democratic candidate for the Missouri House of Missouri House District 89 * Timothy W. Jones (R) - tim@timwjones.org, http://www.timwjones.org/ * George D. "Boots" Weber (D) - geoboots@aol.com, http://georgedweber.com Tim Jones has responded with this statement: Thank you for contacting me with the message and request. Missouri House District 91 * Randy Jotte (R) - randy@randyjotte.com, http://www.randyjotte.com/ * Jeanne Kirkton (D) - jkirkton@earthlink.net, http://www.jeannekirkton.com Randy Jotte has responded with this statement: Thanks for your inquiry. I believe bicycling and hiking are great avenues Jeanne Kirkton has responded with this statement: I am the Democratic candidate for state representative in H-91, which Missouri House District 95 * Mike Leara (R) - mleara@gmail.com, www.mikeleara.com/ * Alice Geary Sgroi (D) - aandpsgroi@yahoo.com, alicegearysgroi.com/ Alice Geary Sgroi has responded with this statement: I am delighted to support bicycling, running, and walking. As a former The other candidate, Mike Leara, has not yet responded with a statement. Missouri House District 110 * Belinda Harris (D) - Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov Ms. Harris has responded with this statement: My adult children recently bought me a new, old-style bicycle. I love it. I Ms. Harris is running unopposed in this election. Missouri House District 113 * Mark J. Bruns (R) - 573.635.9903, Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov, http://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem113.htm * Al Mueller (D) - 573-634-9121, allanmueller@hotmail.com, http://almueller.org/ Mark Bruns has responded with this statement: I support initiatives such as bicycling and walking for the obvious healthAl Mueller has responded with this statement: I have always supported ideas that encourage the use of bicycles for Missouri House District 123 * Chris Molendorp (R) - chris@chrismolendorp.org, http://www.chrismolendorp.org * Juan I. Alonzo (D) - http://www.juanalonzo.com Chris Molendorp has responded with this statement: Thank you for your email. I appreciate your interest in my campaign. Missouri House District 126 * Edgar Emery (R) - Ed.Emery@house.mo.gov http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem126.htm * Linda Marie Crane (D) - lindamariecrane126@live.com www.lmcranemostaterep126.com/ Ed Emery has responded with this statement: Although I never biked competitively I have biked many miles for Linda Marie Crane responded with this statement: Great! I did not know this organization existed, but you sound great and Missouri House District 127 Candidate: Thomas Flanigan (R) Flanigan has responded with this statement: As a member of the Carthage, Mo City Council I supported and voted forMr. Flanigan is running unopposed in the District 127 race. Missouri House District 141 * Jay Wasson (R) - Jay.Wasson@house.mo.gov, http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem141.htm * Ron Shawgo (D) - ron@ronshawgo.com, http://www.ronshawgo.com Ron Shawgo has responded with this statement: Thank you for your interest in my candidacy.The other candidate, Jay Wasson, has not yet responded with a statement.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
 MoBikeFed's "Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri" (PDF format) sums up years of conversations with MoBikeFed members, bicyclists, pedestrians, citizens, and officials across Missouri into a single document.The vision lists concrete, measurable things MoBikeFed--with the cooperation of individuals, groups, agencies, and officials across the state--plans to accomplish in Missouri in the next 5-10 years. Every action item in the Vision is measurable and progress is measured via the Results Tracker. The Result Tracker allows us to keep closer tabs on where Missouri is, where it needs to go, where we are making good progress, and where we need to concentrate our efforts to make more progress. An annual "Report Card for Active Transportation in Missouri" summarizes where Missouri stands each year. See the 2008 Report Card here. The vision is a work-in-progress and a living document, so please let us know what you think--what should be added or emphasized? (Note that the PDF version of the Vision is a summary that lists only selected goals and projects. The complete list of priorities and goals is found in the Vision Results Tracker and tracked in the annual Report Card.) Resources: * Vision of Active Transportation summary (PDF) * 2008 Report Card on Bicycling and Walking in Missouri (PDF) * Results Tracker (online spreadsheet) * Powerpoint presentation (PDF format) Related: * MoBikeFed Legislative Platform * About MoBikeFed Highlights: * Double the number of people walking, bicycling, and using mass transit in the next 10 years * Cut bicycle and pedestrian crash rates in half at the same time * Double MoBikeFed membership in the next 5 years * Double the number of schools participating in Bike/Walk to School Month and communities participating in Bike Month activities * Create a state bicycling map * Continued movement towards traffic justice for nonmotorized users in Missouri traffic laws * Greatly increase the number of instructors and participants in the national, proven League Cycling Instruction program * Bicycle/pedestrian traffic enforcement weeks in at least 10 communities annually * A statewide Missouri Complete Streets policy; at least 3 metro areas and 5 cities with Complete Streets policies * 5 Bronze Level and 1 Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Communities in Missouri, and 5 additional communities working towards Bronze Level * Improve the Katy Trail network: From its current 225 miles to
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact information: Dr. Brent Hugh Executive Director Missouri Bicycle Federation 876-695-6736 director@MoBikeFed.org Bicycle Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City February 26th Awards, Complete Streets legislation, and Levi Leipheimer's 2007 Tour of Missouri bicycle on display The Missouri Bicycle Federation's Bicycle Day at the Capitol is Tuesday, February 26th in Jefferson City. Dozens of Missouri bicyclists, walkers, runners, and trail users will descend on the capitol to talk with their legislators, promote legislations to make our communities safer and more inviting for walking and bicycling, and present awards to state officials. Citizens will be speaking in support of the Safe Streets bill (HB2205) and the Complete Streets bill (HB2206), both sponsored by Representative Mike Sutherland. Bicycle Day Highlights: * Awards presentations at 10:30 and 10:45 in the Senate Lounge * Levi Leipheimer's bicycle on display in the 3rd floor rotunda * Antique bicycle display in the 3rd floor rotunda Awards will be presented to Governor Matt Blunt, Lt. Governor Peter D. Kinder, Attorney General Jay Nixon, Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers, Speaker Rod Jetton, Representative Mike Sutherland, Representative Shannon Cooper, Representative J.C. Kuessner, Representative T.D. El Amin, Senator Charlie Shields, Senator Bill Stouffer, Senator Joan Bray, Senator Kevin Engler, and Senator Wayne Goode (retired). Complete awards text is below. Trek Bicycle will display the bicycle ridden by American cyclist Levi Leipheimer when he rode in the 2007 Tour of Missouri. Leipheimer is a "rock star" of the international bicycle racing world. He rode with Lance Armstrong's team for several of Armstrong's Tour de France wins, has 3 top-ten Tour de France finished to his credit, won the time trial of the 2007 Tour of Missouri, and took top honors in the 2007 Tour of California. The antique bicycle display is courtesy James Allen of Springfield. Allen has ridden and displayed his rare and valuable bicycles across the U.S. Award texts: Governor Matt Blunt --------------------------- Governor Matt Blunt played a key role in bringing the Tour of Missouri to the state. The Tour is largest bicycle event in Missouri history and bringing this annual multi-day bicycle tour to the state is the bicycling world's equivalent of landing a new major pro sports team. Governor Blunt's unwavering support was vital in the successful effort to "Complete the Katy Trail" by connecting it to the Kansas City area. As soon as the opportunity arose, Governor Blunt was out in front with his support for including the Katy Trail Connection as part of the Taum Sauk settlement talks. The settlement, which was recently approved, includes an agreement to build the trail within Ameren's right-of-way and $18 million to actually build the trail. Lt. Governor Peter D. Kinder ------------------------------------- Lt. Governor Peter D. Kinder has led the effort to organize and promote the Tour of Missouri, and the Lt. Governor and his office must take much of the credit for the success of the 2007 Tour and the commitment to make it an ongoing annual event. The Tour is largest bicycle event in Missouri history and bringing this annual multi-day bicycle tour to the state is the bicycling world's equivalent of landing a new major pro sports team. In traveling the state to promote the Tour, Lt. Governor Kinder has become the #1 supporter of bicycling in Missouri, speaking about the Tour and the importance of bicycling in Missouri to key individuals, decision makers and groups totaling well into the thousands. Attorney General Jay Nixon ------------------------------------ Attorney General Jay Nixon has been a supporter of the Katy Trail since its creation, when he was a member of the Missouri Senate. Attorney General Nixon's support of the Katy Trail was vital in the successful effort to complete an agreement with AmerenUE to "Complete the Katy Trail" by connecting it to the Kansas City area. Attorney General Nixon has played a leading role in the effort to preserve the Boonville MKT Bridge and make it a part of the Katy Trail. The Attorney General has been one of the few statewide leaders who has had the foresight to understand that changing the legal agreements that created the Katy Trail in order to remove the Boonville Bridge is a serious step that could endanger the legal status of 160 miles of the Katy Trail. Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers -------------------------------------------------------- Doyle Childers, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, has played a key role in the effort to "Complete the Katy Trail". Work to complete the final 11 miles on the eastern end of the trail is nearly complete near St. Charles. A recently opened river bridge connects Hermann with the Katy Trail. The Missouri State Parks Foundation, which works closely with DNR, has recently completed the final fund raising needed to create a trail connection from Jefferson City to the Katy Trail. And Director Childers' tireless support for the Katy Trail Connection to Kansas City has resulted in an agreement with AmerenUE to provide both the right-of-way and $18 million to build the trail. Speaker Rod Jetton ------------------ Representative Rod Jetton, Speaker of the House, has been a friend of bicycling, walking, and trails throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives. Speaker Jetton has walked across a good portion of the state, bicycled the entire Katy Trail, walked across the Boonville Bridge, and taken colleagues on Katy Trail rides. Speaker Jetton's support was vital in passing the Bicycle Safety Bill of 2005, the most important bicycle-related legislation to pass in the past 10 years. Representative Mike Sutherland ------------------------------ Representative Mike Sutherland has been the key supporter of bicycling in the Missouri House the past few years. Representative Sutherland sponsored the Bicycle Safety Bill of 2005, the most important bicycle-safety legislation in the past 10 years in Missouri, and the Trails in Parks Bill of 2007, which will allow closer cooperation between nonprofit groups and the Department of Natural Resources to build trails and other needed facilities in state parks. Representative Sutherland doesn't just talk the talk, he "rides the ride". He is an avid cyclist who rides every chance he gets in both rides and mountain bike races. Representative Shannon Cooper ----------------------------- Representative Shannon Cooper is one of the few House members to have ridden the entire length of the Katy Trail, which begins in his district. Representative Cooper has been a strong supporter of the Katy Trail and the effort to "Complete the Katy Trail" by connecting it to Kansas City. He was a co-sponsor and key supporter of the Bicycle Safety Bill of 2005. Representative J.C. Kuessner ---------------------------- Representative J. C. Kuessner has been an active supporter of bicycle and pedestrian issues as a member of the House Transportation Committee. Representative Kuessner has been a key supporter of the coast-to-coast TransAmerica Trail, which passes through his district. Promoting bicycling by encouraging improvement of the TransAmerica Trail Representative T.D. El Amin --------------------------- Representative T.D. El Amin is an avid bicyclist and the General Assembly's designated Bicycle Commuter--visitors to Representative El Amin's office will often find his bicycle parked in the hallway. Last March Representative El Amin and his brother rode from his home in the St. Louis area to Jefferson City to raise awareness and funds for the National Kidney Foundation. Senator Charlie Shields ----------------------- Senator Charlie Shields, Senate Majority Leader, has provided leadership in supporting bicycle and pedestrian modes in St. Joseph. From supporting neighborhood level access for biking and walking across MoDot bridges, to retrofitting commercial corridors for non-motorized modes, Mr. Shields has been a steady voice who recognizes that people do travel in significant numbers in ways other than the automobile and that the transportation system should be inclusive of those operations. Senator Bill Stouffer --------------------- Senator Bill Stouffer, chair of the Transportation Committee, has worked tirelessly to improve Missouri's transportation system. Senator Stouffer has been a supporter of the Katy Trail, which passes through his district. Senator Stouffer has played a leading role in the effort to preserve the Boonville MKT Bridge and make it a part of the Katy Trail. The effort to preserve the Boonville Bridge has has tremendous support from local residents. From the statewide perspective, removing the bridge without taking the proper legal steps could endanger the legal status of 160 miles of the Katy Trail. Senator Joan Bray ----------------- Senator Joan Bray has been a strong supporter of bicycling and walking. Senator Bray has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bicycle and pedestrian-related bills and she and her staff have spent countless hours working to move them forward. Senator Bray was a co-sponsor of the Bicycle Safety Bill of 2005. Senator Kevin Engler -------------------- Senator Kevin Engler has been an important supporter of bicycle and pedestrian legislation throughout his terms in the House and the Senate. Senator Engler has supported the TransAmerica Trail, a coast-to-coast bicycle tourism route that goes through his district. Senator Engler has sponsored or co-sponsored several other legislative initiatives. He was the Senate Sponsor of the Bicycle Safety Bill of 2005, the most important bicycle-related legislation to pass in the past 10 years. Senator Wayne Goode (retired) ----------------------------- Senator Wayne Goode was a member of the Missouri General Assembly for 44 years. He was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1962 and served in the Missouri Senate from 1984-2004. Senator Goode is a Missouri Bicycle Federation member and an avid bicyclist who has often spent summers bicycle touring with his wife, Jane. Senator Goode has served as President of the Board and continues to serve as a board member of TrailNet in St. Louis. Senator Goode was a key supporter of bicycle and pedestrian-related legislation and currently serves on the Missouri Bicycle Federation's Legislative Committee. --- 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. Find out more or join the federation at MoBikeFed.org ###
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact information: Dr. Brent Hugh Executive Director Missouri Bicycle Federation 876-695-6736 director@MoBikeFed.org A Fan’s Guide to the Tour of Missouri With the biggest pro bicycle race in the history of Missouri--some say the biggest sporting event ever--coming next week, do Missourians know how to watch a bicycle race? "It's not just a race, it's a rolling parade, a traveling festival," says Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh. "Every seat is free, and every seat is a front row seat. You can get within inches of the athletes as they speed down a straightaway at 40 miles per hour or climb a Missouri hill at breath-taking speeds." As other sports fans know, watching the race is just part of the fun. "Experienced race fans make the race a big party--just like fans who 'tailgate' at a football game," says Hugh. "You bring your friends, your food, your barbecue, your beverage of choice--and you have a good time." "At the Tour of Georgia, they tripled the number of spectators from the first year to the second--because those who came the first year went home and told their friends what a great time they had." Here are some tips for those who want to watch the Tour--and have a great time: * There is no bad place to watch the Tour. But seasoned fans do tend to seek out certain spots: - Start line, finish line - Sprint points or "King of the Mountain" points mid-race - Feed zones - Long or difficult hills on the route - Any point on the route nearest where they live or work * Course logs, available online at http://www.tourofmissouri.com/route-maps-5.html, list all these points and estimated times of arrival. * Finish line areas will have giant-screen TVs showing live race footage along with color commentary. Fans can watch the race develop on the big screen, then watch the finish live. * Start and finish line areas will have health and wellness expos, exhibits, bands playing, and other events. "It's like a parade, a festival, and a party all rolled into one--and a race besides," says Hugh. * It is possible to plan your day to watch the start, one or more important intermediate points, and then the finish as well. * Those along the route can watch the race live via video feeds at TourofMissouri.com, then go outside at the right time to see the race come by live. This is very popular--last year the Tour of Missouri garnered more than 400 million web impressions, many from fans logging on to watch the race. * The Tour is one of the "big three" U.S. pro tours, along with the Tour of California and the Tour de Georgia. Some individual stages in the Tour de France attract over a million spectators. * Pro bicyclists are very approachable before and after the race. Part of the fun is showing up at a pre-race event with one of the athletes, getting an autograph during "Autograph Alley", and watching the awards ceremonies with athletes and celebrities after each stage. * Cycling is a team sport that incorporates a huge amount of psychology and strategy in addition to pure athleticism. Much of the interest is in watching how each of the teams uses their members offensively and defensively throughout the tour. More at http://mobikefed.org/tag/tailgate Pro bicycle racing is a much bigger sport internationally than it is in the U.S. That means that the international exposure--including world media that is attracted to the major cycling teams, top U.S. racer in the Tour de France Christian Vandevelde, World Time Trialing Champion Michael Rogers, winner of four Tour de France stages Mark Cavendish, and Tour of Missouri winner and former Lance Armstrong teammate George Hincapie--will be a huge benefit to Missouri. Online: http://tourofmissouri.com Route sheets, course logs and timings, maps, route profiles: http://www.tourofmissouri.com/route-maps-5.html Related events, bicycle rides, bike rodeos, festivals, etc: http://www.tourofmissouri.com/index.php?option=com_jcalpro News & info: http://mobikefed.org/tourofmissouri Tailgating the Tour of Missouri: http://mobikefed.org/tag/tailgate --- 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. To see our Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri, visit http://MoBikeFed.org/vision Find out more or join the federation at http://MoBikeFed.org ### |