Independence makes major improvements to bicycle system and trails in 2013

BikeWalkKC recently posted an update about an impressive number of bicycle-related improvements made by the city of Independence in 2013. Indepence is one a several Missouri cities that is moving in the right direction in its support for bicycling, walking, and trails.  These improvements help make a vibrant, livable, healthy city that is attractive to residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Independence is following a number of the best practices for cities recommended in MoBikeFed's Vision for Cities in Missouri.

Independence City Council member and mayoral candidate Jim Schultz

Independence has adopted several best practices in support of bicycling, walking, and trails over past years

In 2010, Independence Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schultz sponsored one of the first anti-harassment ordinances in Missouri. The measure sponsored by Schultz and passed by the full City Council in 2010, bans harassment of cyclists and pedestrians.  It also prohibits throwing objects at cyclists and pedestrians.  These issues have been identified as a very top priority of cyclists across Missouri and passing city-wide and statewide anti-harassment provisions is a top priority of MoBikeFed's Legislative Platform.

In 2011, Independence adopted a Complete Streets policy, again at the behest of Schultz, who was inspired to push for a citywide Complete Streets policy after attending a hearing in Jefferson City to testify in favor of the statewide Complete Streets resolution adopted by the Missouri General Assembly that year.

Schultz, who is an avid cyclist who often rides with cycling groups in the Independence area, has spearheaded the city's move to implement Complete Streets, create a city-wide on-road bicycle route system, and expand and improve the trails system in the area.

Schultz is running for Mayor of Independence in the April 2014 election--one of a growing number of elected officials across Missouri who are working to actively improve the livability of their communities by supporting bicycling, walking, and trails improvements.  

What Independence did to improve bicycling and trails in 2013

The improvements the city has made in support of bicycling and trails over the past year are indeed impressive--a great template for any city that wants to make the community safer and more inviting for bicyclists.  BikeWalkKC reported the list of improvements:

Crysler Avenue - Share the Road signs and pavement markings were recently installed between 23rd Street and 40 Highway.

35th Street - One mile of bike lanes betwen Lynn Street and Crysler Avenue.

23rd Street - 4.8 miles of Share the Road signs and safer drain grates from the western city limits to Route 291. This project was in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

24 Highway - 3.6 miles of Share the Road signage from Route 291 to the Little Blue River. 

39th Street bridge over the Litlte Blue River - a new bridge is under construction. It will provide a safe route over the river and create a new connection between Independence's multi-use trail on 39th Street and Jackson County's Little Blue Trace Trail along the river.

Bike Route Signage and Wayfinding - Plans are in the works for a network of signed bike routes, including wayfinding with directional arrows and distances to destinations like parks and historic sites. Funding is provided by Building a Healthier Independence.

Bicycle Traffic Counters - City staff is currently being trained to use counters provided by the Mid-America Regional Council. Testing is underway on Crysler Avenue.

Emergency phones on the Little Blue Trace Trail - three phones have been installed and three more are planned.

Little Blue Trace Trail - The City continues to work with Jackson County on planning and fundraising to improve and expand the trail. Three emergency phones were recently installed and three more to be done.

Connections to Kansas City  - Independence is working with Jackson County and the City of KCMO on plans to link the two cities with bike lanes across city limits.

You an find more suggestions to make your city friendlier for cycling in MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling, Walking, and Trails in Missouri Cities.

We love to share stories about the success of Missouri communities and advocacy groups in building better cities for bicycling, walking, and trails because one of the primary objectives of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri is creating a movement in support of better bicycling and walking across Missouri. The steps taken by Independence to improve conditions for bicycling also move forward our other three major objectives: Improving safety for all road users, creating a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri, and encouraging more Missourians to bicycle, walk, and use trails more often.

Your membership and generous financial support helps make our Vision a reality across Missouri!