KC & Joplin editorial pages support bicycling

Spurred on by high gasoline prices and the celebration of Bike Month nationwide, editorials in the Kansas City Star and Joplin Globe have recently come out in support of bicycling initiatives in the two cities.

Kansas City Star:

Kansas City isn’t a bicycle-friendly community. That’s dismaying, particularly now that gas prices are soaring and more people are riding to work.

Mayor Mark Funkhouser has outlined a reasonable path to make it more enjoyable and easier for bicyclists to get around the city. . .

That list is likely to include calls for the city to:

• Increase the number of bike lanes on major streets.

• Create more miles of trails that bicyclists can use.

• Post more signs that warn drivers of bicyclists.

Bicyclists and motorists also can do more to promote safety on the streets. . . .

Eventually, the city will need to set aside some more funds for trails, wider roads and programs to encourage people to ride bicycles.

Kansas City bikers should embrace this effort and encourage City Hall to make it a priority.

Supporters can email mayor[at]kcmo.org in support of Mayor Funkhouser's call to make Kansas City a Platinum level Bicycle Friendly Community by 2020.

Joplin Globe:

The City of Joplin is headed in the right direction with its plan to tie city walking and bike trails together.

And, now that gas prices are racing ever closer to the $4 a gallon mark, it makes even more sense from a practical standpoint.

Joplin city leaders and visionaries should take a look at establishing bike and paths throughout the city.

Our quest for alternative energy sources must include our own two feet. . . .

And, now that gas prices are racing ever closer to the $4 a gallon mark, it makes even more sense from a practical standpoint.

Doris Conyers, who heads up the Dogwood Trailblzers walking club in Joplin, envisions a day when people all over town can walk from their homes to a nearby trial and then “walk anywhere to take care of our basic needs.”

We believe that day is here.