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Letter to prosecutor in sentencing hearing of bicyclist Robert Osborn
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

MoBikeFed Voter Guide: Missouri House Candidates
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
fit and a good mode of transportation for those short trips around town. I
would encourage the use of bicycles.

Mike Thomson
Mike.Thomson@house.mo.gov

Richard R. Oswald has responded with this statement:
I enjoy bicycling and walking myself, and bicycling obviously conserves
energy as well as being enjoyable exercise.

Count me in.

Richard R. Oswald
660.787.0222 mobile
660.744.2513 home
roswald@rpt.coop



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
district.

I am indeed anxious to make my district and the entire state a place where
walking and biking are safe and frequently utilized. Since I am an
overweight person who struggles to lose weight and occasionally gets going
in the right direction, at least temporarily, I know the benefits of
regular exercise.

I have enjoyed biking and walking and encourage urban planning that
maximizes opportunities for citizens to do both.

I appreciate the web links that you have provided so that I can learn more
about how to be an advocate for walkers and bikers. I look forward to
working with you in the 2009 Legislative Session.

JMO

Jeanette Mott Oxford
State Representative - 59th MO House District
314-771-8882 (home); 314-775-8940 (cell)
2910 Lemp, St. Louis, MO 63118
www.jmo4rep.com



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
forward to working with you to improve the environment for
bicycling and walking in Missouri. Together, we will work to
increase the number of walking and bicycling trails and bicycle
routes.

Sincerely,

Jamilah Nasheed
State Representative
District 60
Jamilah.Nasheed@house.mo.gov
Web page: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem060.htm

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
pleasure and exercise. So as you can imagine, I'm pretty sensitive to the
importance of livable spaces with room for cyclists and pedestrians. (I
sure notice the difference between areas with good sidewalks and those
without them, especially at night!)

Improving our infrastructure to help get more people outdoors and moving
under their own power is good for our communities, good for our public
health, and - ultimately - good for economic development, too. I look
forward to working with members of the Bicycle Federation and other
interested parties to improve Missouri's record in this area.

All the best,

Jake Zimmerman
Missouri State Representative
District 83

Jake.Zimmerman@house.mo.gov
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem083.htm

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
Representatives in the 87th Circuit (the St. Louis County area including
Brentwood, Ladue, Warson Woods, Frontenac, and Rock Hill).

I ride a Fuji touring bike, and my wife, Jen, prefers her hybrid. We often
take weekend bike trips throughout Missouri, Iowa south-central Illinois,
doing usually no more than fifty miles or so in a day depending on how many
bakeries we find along the way.

A few years ago, we took a week-long bike trip through Wisconsin where I
did my first century.

Cycling is important to me and I would enthusiastically support it and work
closely with the Missouri Fed as a member of the Missouri House.

Mark Zoole
1200 So. Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 647-1200
zoole@sbcglobal.net


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.

In response I am stating that I do very much look forward to working with
bicyclists and pedestrians in my district about issues of concern to them.


As an avid runner myself, a sport that I have enjoyed for over twenty
years, I know how important and vital it is to provide for safety and
security for all individuals who use our public roadways, including
pedestrians, runners, joggers and bicyclists.

Thank you.

Tim Jones
State Representative-89th District
tjones@dosterguin.com


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
of recreation and provide both mental and physical health.

I have frequented Grant's trail with my wife and two children, ages 9 and
11. I believe trails for hiking and bicycling are a true public asset and
have supportd such programs in Webster Groves as a member of our city
council. I intend to do the same as a member of your general assembly.

The 91st House District includes all of Glendale, Oakland, and Shrewsbury
and most of Webster Groves.

Thank you.

Randy Jotte
Republican Candidate, House District 91

Jeanne Kirkton has responded with this statement:
I am the Democratic candidate for state representative in H-91, which
includes Glendale, Oakland, Shrewsbury and most of Webster Groves.

Your issues are my issues. I have been a long time member of Trail Net and
Rails to Trails. Bike trails are an important topic to me personally and
as a Webster Groves City Councilmember. We work closely with Great Rivers
Greenway on the bicycle/pedestrian trails that are planned to run through
our city.

I am a huge proponent of pedestrian-friendly cities and support the
Complete Streets initiative. As a nurse, I understand the importance of
getting people out of their cars and on their feet. It's a win-win for
everyone in terms of personal health, a cleaner environment and decreasing
reliance on fossil fuels.

Thank you for contacting me. You may count on me as an ally.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Kirkton

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
bicycle rider who hopes to return to the activity, I enjoy cycling as well
as walking.

I consider these activities not only as recreation, but they can also help
reduce the use of fossil fuels and relieve traffic congestion. This is
beneficial for decreasing the strain on oil supplies (with potential
effects on prices) and their pollution which is harmful to the environment,
can speed up global warming, and is injurious to health (directly from lung
disease, not to mention obesity and other effects of a sedentary life
style.)

I do most certainly look forward to working with bicyclists and pedestrians
about issues of concern to them, whether about safety or an increase in
bicycle- and walking-friendly routes.

Alice Geary Sgroi
Candidate House District 95
aandpsgroi@yahoo.com

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
never was the fan of hand breaks and my enjoyment was for pleasure and
exercise, not speed so the bike from my past was what I wanted.

I go riding with my granddaughters, an eight year old and a six year old.
The three year old is using training wheels and the one year old is looking
for a seat on my bike!

Bicycling is the best exercise and gives me an opportunity to socialize
with my granddaughters.

State Representative Belinda Harris
District 110
Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem110.htm

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 health
reasons, in addition to the fact they are excellent transportation
alternatives.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and any other issues with
my constituency.

Mark Bruns
District 113
Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov
Al Mueller has responded with this statement:

I have always supported ideas that encourage the use of bicycles for
recerational and transportation needs. I was previously a State Rep. and
in 1976 had an amendment adopted to the St. Louis BiState sales tax that
would have require a modest percentage of the collections to be used for
bike paths in the St. Louis metropolitian area. The amendment died in a
conference committee.

I believe we need to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to the
vehicles in the cities across Missouri. I look forward to working with the
federation to meet that goal.

Al Mueller
allanmueller@hotmail.com

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.

I do indeed look forward to working with you on issues of concern to
pedestrians and bicyclists.

As a former member of the Raymore, MO Park Board and the Raymore, MO City
Council, I am familiar with the concept of "complete streets". While often
a municipal issue, MODOT needs to be aware of the needs of everyone who
uses the roads they design. Not just motorists.

I'm also walking a lot; like many Americans I'm battling obesity. I've
lost over 30 pounds this year as a result of walking. My wife Julie and I
have often had the same feeling most of your members have had: "that car
didn't see me!" Many collector and arterial streets simply don't have
sidewalks.

I understand your organization's push to bring awareness to this issue.

In addition, I'm hopeful the KATY Trail will connect someday to Pleasant
Hill (Cass County) just east of my district. This will be a great asset
for the pedestrians and bicyclists in this area.

Thanks so much for your interest in my race. Your members could log onto
www.chrismolendorp.org to learn more.

Warmest Wishes,
Chris Molendorp
Republican Nominee, 123rd District
chris@chrismolendorp.org

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
transportation, exercise, and pleasure. Since moving to rural Missouri, my
bikes have not really fit the terrain. I am not sure what public policies
may hinder your efforts to promote biking, but it would be a pleasure to
hear your ideas and concerns.

Sincerely,
Ed Emery

Linda Marie Crane responded with this statement:
Great! I did not know this organization existed, but you sound great and
have my suppport; I teach in Springfield, Central High, and got to see
some of the Tour of Missouri this year and last....

My next door neighbor, on our dirt road way back in the boonies home is
Rick Mayer, who works for Greenways out of Greene Co...the bike and walking
trail made from the old railroad - I drive along it every day, as I go to
work.

I think biking is great, I think walking is great, whether I gain office
this time or not, you have my support; Please put me on your mailing
list..thanks,

Linda Crane
lindamariecrane126@live.com


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 for
improvements to the Carthage portion of the Ruby Jack Trail.

I look forward to working with you and your organization on issues we can
agree on.

Sincerely,

Tom Flanigan
Missouri House of Representatives
Representative-Elect
District 127
PO Box 1034
Carthage, Mo 64836
www.flanigan08.com

Mr. 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.

Of course I support this federation! I used to ride but have had to resort
to the walking trails now with two new knees.

Since I have been canvassing this whole district I have also noticed a lack
of sidewalks in many of the subdivisions, new as well as older, and this
district has no such thing as bike lanes on any of the roads, however poor
lighting needs to be addressed first before bikers are able to ride safely.

Walking trails are becoming more abundant as communities begin to
concentrate on family health, but I think we still need more people
involved in the out doors........

Ron Shawgo
ron@ronshawgo.com
The other candidate, Jay Wasson, has not yet responded with a
statement.

MoBikeFed Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri released
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
  • 300 miles within 5 years
  • 800 miles long term
From its current reach of 210,000 Missourians within 2 miles of the trail to
  • 350,000 within 5 years
  • 2.5 million+ long term

Press Release: Bicycle Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City February 26th (2/2008)
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.

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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. Find out more or join the federation at MoBikeFed.org


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Press Release: A Fan’s Guide to the Tour of Missouri (9/2008)
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

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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.

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

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