Call for safety changes to popular KC-area Longview Lake cycling loop after cyclist and father of 10 killed in hit-and-run; Memorial Ride Sept 17th

The Longview Lake loop is one of the most popular cycling routes in the Kansas City area.  Much of the loop has been greatly improved for cycling safety in recent years, with wide shoulders, bicycle lanes, and even a section of separated bicycle now on the 10-mile loop.

However, one section on View High Drive just north of 3rd Street is a notoriously bad spot.  The shoulder ends just as a right-turn-only lane is added, the pavement is rough, sight lines are poor for both cyclists and motorists, and the road design encourages motorists to drive very fast up until this point.

It was just at the spot that Charlie Crinier, math teacher at the Martin City K-8 school, father of 10, and newly enthusiastic cyclist, was killed by a hit-and-run driver the morning of August 27th.

Fox 4 TV reports:

Cyclist Charlie Crinier, father of 10, was killed by a hit and run driver on the Longview Lake Loop August 27th

Kansas City’s cycling community is rallying around the family of a man who was killed while riding last month.

Cyclists have organized a bike ride fundraiser for Charlie Criniere’s wife and 10 children. “Bright Lights for Charlie” will happen Sept. 17 at the Longview Lake beach to also encourage all cyclists to ride with bright tail lights.

It’s been 10 days since a driver struck Criniere as he rode his bike on View High Drive near Longview Road. Police said the driver left him for dead and drove off toward Lee’s Summit after the crash.

Kansas City policy are searching for the  driver of a white Acura MDX they believe was involved in the crash.  The vehicle has been found but, according to news reports, the driver is still unknown. Anyone with any information about the vehicle or driver please contact Kansas City Missouri police:

Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline 816-474-TIPS.

Detective Chad Rives with the Traffic Investigation Section at 816-482-8296 or email chad.rives@kcpd.org

Bright Lights for Charlie ride Sept 17 8am

The Bright Lights for Charlie ride will be held at 8am on September 17th, 2022, starting at  Longview Lake Beach, 11101 Raytown Road. Routes of 10-100km are available. In lieu of a registration fee, free will donations will be accepted. Organizers are asking riders to register (free) to help with event planning. For more information, contact Jeremycvandeventer@gmail.com.

Friends have organized a GoFundMe to support the Criniere family and help cover their expenses.

More info and news coverage

• Kansas City area teacher, father of 10 killed in hit-and-run bicycle crash Saturday (KC Star)
• Family remembers father killed in Kansas City hit-and-run (KSHB)
• Community heartbroken after teacher on bicycle is killed in hit-and-run
• Cyclists feared section of KC road without bike lane before father of 10 was killed (KC Star)
• Kansas City is hostile to bicycle riders. Can the death of a father of 10 change that? (KC Star)
• A car-centric KC is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists — but it doesn’t have to be (KC Star)
• BikeWalkKC calling for action after death of cyclist (KSHB)
• Vision Zero Action Plan recently passed by Kansas City Council (BikeWalkKC)
• It’s possible to put bike lanes where KC cyclist was killed. Here’s what it would take. (KC Star)
• Newsweek coverage
• Inside Edition coverage