Put People on Paseo Bridge campaign raises over $14,000--but looking for more

Let's Go KC--a coalition of walking, bicycling, environmental, and community groups (including the Missouri Bicycle Federation) that represents over 20,000 individuals in the Kansas City metro area--issue an update on the effort to Put People on the Paseo.

The Paseo Bridge is the new quarter billion dollar Missouri River bridge near downtown Kansas City--which still does not have a safe way for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross Missouri.

But over 250 people, pledging nearly $15,000, are changing that right now:

Only one week left to help!

Many people have pledged their support for a walking and bicycling trail on the new Paseo bridge and we want to say "Thank you!" There is only one week left for you to help this important cause that will make our community more green and equitable for all citizens. We need your support now.

See the supporters and pledge on the Put People on Paseo web site.

Our goal is to get 5,000 pledges of $20 each by November 24, 2008. Kansas City, Missouri has CMAQ funds that need a match of 20 percent. Your pledge could go to help raise the match. MODOT will not construct this bridge unless KCMO and other agencies raise the money.

This campaign is similar to the City Market capital fund raising campaign of the late 1980's and 90's. At that time people were sold bricks with a message on them that became part of the pavement at the Market. You can see them today and now enjoy a renovated and energetic urban market because people were willing to buy a brick.*
Though we can't give you a deed, you will be buying a piece of the walking and bicycling trail and helping to get a great amenity for our region.

Here are some community concerns:

• There is no safe Missouri river crossing for bicycclists or pedestrians in our region.

• If Kansas City is serious about thhe Climate Protection Plan and other green initiatives we need to offer transportation choices now.

• To get energy independence aand improve air and water quality we need to include more walking, bicycling and transit options. One-third of greenhouse gases come from transportation.

• More people than ever want to walk and bicycle.

• We need this river crossing for region connectivity to trails and roads both north and south and to the future KATY Trail connection.

• The council of the City of Kansas City, MO has ttwo resolutions that support the trail and MARC has policy that supports it.

• This is an important step for making Kansas City aa League of American Bicyclists' certified Bicycle Friendly City that will attract tourism, businesses and residents.

• Everyone should be able to use the bridge not just motorists, but families, walking and cycling commuters, hikers, runners, people of all ages.

Our pledges will show how much we want good walking and bicycling facilities in the Kansas City region by helping to meet the match requirement needed by KCMO.

No money will be collected until the project goes forward.

Visit the Put People on Paseo web site to make a pledge today!

Thanks for your support,

Laurie Chipman
Let's Go KC, Alliance for Transportation Choice, representing 26,500 people
Kansas City Bicycle Club Advocate

* From the city market Web site: In the late 1980's and 90's, $14.5 million in public and private funds were invested in the City Market with additional funds committed to energize the surrounding River Market neighborhood.

The City Market structures were modernized in 1986 and rehabbed in 1990, resulting in over 100,000 square feet of restaurants, food-related shops, retail and museum exhibit space. With the addition of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the City Market took a major step forward leading the way toward downtown redevelopment.