Kansas City appoints bicycle/pedestrian coordinator--press release

The following press release came from Kansas City, Missouri, today:

City appoints bike/pedestrian transportation coordinator

The City of Kansas City, Mo., announced the appointment of Deb Ridgway as the new bicycle and pedestrian transportation coordinator.

The City is very fortunate to have someone with Debs experience, skill set and passion for alternative transportation in this newly created position. We look forward to her efforts to move the City forward in the area of bicycle and pedestrian transportation, said Stan Harris, director of the Public Works Department.

As the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Ridgway will be responsible for coordinating all bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects and planning work with City departments and external stakeholders.

Ridgway has worked in alternative transportation since 1994. Ridgway previously worked for Bridging the Gap, where she served as alternative transportation manager since 2005.

Ridgways career also includes serving as an independent transportation consultant (1994-present), executive director at Milwaukee Urban Gardens (2002-2005), MetroBike program co-manager at Trailnet Inc., St. Louis, Mo. (1997-1999), and agency consultant at Community Emergency Shelter Organization, Chicago, Ill. (1988-1994).

Ridgway has a masters degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, a certificate in nonprofit management from Roosevelt University, a bachelors degree in humanities/theology from Siena Heights University and an associates degree in human services/social work from Siena Heights University.

Ridgway will start July 9.

For more information on the Citys bicycle transportation initiative, visit www.kcmo.org/p.ubworks.nsf/web/kcbike1.

Media inquiries about the Citys bicycle and pedestrian coordinator or the City's bicycle transportation initiative should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, public information officer for the Public Works Department, (816) 513-2659.