KCStar: Don't put the brakes on Tour of Missouri funding

This editorial recently appeared in the Kansas City Star:
Sports fans across the nation and in 111 other countries watched as bicycle racers zipped by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, through the Ozarks and past Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial during the just-ended Tour of Missouri.

As officials at the Missouri Department of Tourism note, the state can’t buy that kind of exposure. Or as spokeswoman Sarah Luebbert put it: “The cost for that kind of television coverage would be astronomic.”

Instead, it cost Missouri only $1.5 million to be a partner in the race. Still, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s administration considered axing race funds in this very tight budget year. The opposition smelled of politics with Republican Lt. Gov. Pete Kinder as a big backer. Nixon, a Democrat, eventually relented and supported the race. Now that the riding is done, people are wondering if the state will go through the same dance next year.

Let’s hope not. The race is a great asset to the state.

Not only do thousands of Missourians turn out to watch, race organizers trot out the economic impact: almost $30 million from spectators from 32 states and 21 countries in 2008 (this year’s numbers aren’t yet known).

But it’s not just the money that comes into the state during the race that matters.

The race, only three years old, is already attracting global attention and is considered one of the best races outside Europe, where the sport is much more popular.

The Missouri race highlights another bicycle attraction of the Show-Me State, the spectacular Katy Trail. Tourism officials note they get regular e-mail mentioning the tour and how it persuaded people to put the state on their “must-visit” list. Many ask where they can both ride the trail and see the tour.

The tour and the trail remind bike riders to think about Missouri as a vacation spot. Eventually, the race will support itself. But until that time, $1.5 million in state money to keep it is a good value.>


As we've mentioned before, keeping those calls, letters, and email messages coming to Governor Nixon is key:

Email: https://governor.mo.gov/get-involved/contact-the-governors-office
Call: 573-751-3222
Ask: Governor Nixon, will you support the 2010 Tour of Missouri **and** will you support bicycle friendly policies for the stage, including Complete Streets and funding for bicycling & pedestrian facilities in any future MoDOT funding?

Join MoBikeFed's Advocacy Network

MoBikeFed is a statewide group of people like you, working together for better bicycling, walking, and trails in Missouri. When you join our advocacy network you receive occasional important advocacy alerts and bicycle, pedestrian, and trails news from around Missouri.

Working together we make a real difference! Join our advocacy network:

Want better bicycling and walking in Missouri?
We rely on the support of members like you.  Please join, renew, or donate today.