I recently came across this story about the Ruby Jack Trail, located in southwestern Missouri, running from Carthage to the Kansas state line:

When complete, the Ruby Jack trail will ultimately run from Carthage to the KS state line. Initially it was planned as a bi-state trail all the way to Columbus, KS. However, Cherokee County passed an ordinance in response to those plans that effectively prohibits the rail-trail from entering Kansas. So until the good people of Cherokee County overcome their fear of bikers and joggers, the trail will stop at the state line.

Rough gravel aside, I am really excited about this trail. I think it’s a great asset to the area and another excellent component of the ever expanding trail system in the Joplin area.

Read more from Ryan McCoy at the Shortleaf blog: Ruby Jack Trail.

I was unfamiliar with the Cherokee County situation, so did a bit more searching and turned up this 2003 article from the Missouri Bicycle Federation:

Supporters originally hoped for a 28-mile trail from Carthage to Columbus, Kan. Opposition and a fee imposed by the Cherokee County Commission caused the trail group to drop the Kansas portion.

And this nugget from the Joplin Globe:

In 2002, the Cherokee County (Kan.) Landowners Association filed a statement opposing extending the trail into Kansas, saying some trail groups lack funding, manpower “and quite frankly motivation” to develop and maintain the trails they control. They expressed concern about littering, vandalism and inadequate policing.

The coalition pulled out of the Kansas portion after the Cherokee County Commission ruled that the trails group would have to post a surety bond of about $10,000 per mile to ensure that the trail would be maintained.

Teverow said that would have made it prohibitively expensive to run the trail to Columbus.

“The state of Kansas, I would say, has made it more difficult than any state in the nation,” he said.

And finally, another excerpt from Shortleaf: No New Trail!:

Basically the story is that the Joplin Trails Coalition is developing a 16 mile rails to trails project from Carthage to the KS state line and pretty much everyone along the way is trying to keep it from happening. Initially the plan was to extend all the way to somewhere in KS, but Cherokee County was so opposed to the forward thinking idea of fitness and recreation they passed a law that made it cost prohibitive and eventually the coalition gave up on the idea of having a trail in KS.

I was told by a member of the coalition that farmers will routinely dump old machinery or bales of hay to obstruct the trail, and surprisingly, one of the biggest opponents of the project was the Carl Junction school system. The trail is supposed to pass near the high school and they are paranoid about the “transients” that might hang out on the trail. I have biked and hiked on lots of trials and don’t recall ever being mugged or offered drugs. And heaven forbid the school system actually encourage students to get out and USE THE TRAIL.

The main argument for this most recent lawsuit is that the trail will degrade neighboring property values. I have seen many small towns enhanced by these types of trails, but I don’t recall seeing any that were turned ghetto because of one.

Why do some places in Kansas have to be so backwards? What exactly do they fear?

Do they not want places for their citizens to walk, run, and ride? Do they not want people to visit their communities? Are they not interested in economic development?

Makes no sense to me…

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In fact, when current plans come to fruition, KC may well have more urban singletrack than any other city in the nation.

From the Kansas City Star (Volunteers create miles of surprises):

Kansas City always seems to be searching for an identity. How about this one: urban mountain biking capital?

What if KC were home to the country’s longest middle-of-the-city trail system for mountain biking and hiking, a spectacular series of paths that squeeze through limestone outcroppings, skirt native glades and follow a twisting river route?

Working on it. Volunteer trail builders — with no fanfare and lots of sweat equity — just completed a phase of the planned trail inside Swope Park.

The total project is an urban mountain biking and hiking trail system more than 50 miles long. With perhaps no peer in the United States, it would surpass urban trails in cities considered far more outdoorsy than Kansas City.

These are not greenway-type trails paved or covered with gravel or wood chips. These are natural, “single-track” trails built to the standards of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

While many urban areas have developed mountain bike trails, the scope of the Kansas City project sets it apart, said Ryan Schutz, director of field programs at the International Mountain Bicycling Association in Boulder, Colo. He said the Kansas City area already was well-regarded for its mountain bike trails.

Years ago, mountain biking and city parks often were considered a bad mix. Trails were sometimes haphazard and not built to last. Easily eroded, they could be more of a scar on park property than an amenity. And mountain bikers, typically young, could be an unpredictable lot.

Times have changed, and many park land managers are working enthusiastically with mountain bikers, who themselves are maturing, to develop trails. Hikers and trail runners also get involved.

The trails envisioned are:

• 20 miles planned in the Swope Park system; seven are done
• 20 miles planned in the connector from Swope to Red Bridge Road; work just begun
• 16 existing miles along the Blue River from Red Bridge to 137th Street

You can follow the progress on the Swope Trails Blog and the Blue-Swope Connection Blog.

And in addition to the Swope and Blue River trails, there are numerous other mountain bike trails in the Kansas City area, on both sides of the state line:

• Shawnee Mission Park – Five miles of some of the best technical singletrack in the Kansas City area, along with paved multi-use trails and a challenging road loop
• Kill Creek Park – 4+ miles of singletrack trails, plus multi-use paths, located in western Johnson County
• Hillsdale Lake – Over 50 miles of trails located just southwest of Kansas City
• Wyandotte County Lake – The park currently has 10 miles of bridle trails and a master plan to develop an additional 20 to 30 miles of sustainable mountain biking and hiking trails
• Landahl Park – Nine miles of singletrack located in Blue Springs, Missouri. Many experienced MTB’ers consider this one of the top trails in the midwest.
• Smithville Lake – Ten miles of singletrack located near Smithville, Missouri: “These trails are very beginner and singlespeed friendly trails”.
• Stocksdale and Walnut Woods – Several miles of well-regarded trails near Liberty, Missouri

Mountain biking groups and clubs in the Kansas City area include the Earth Riders Trails Association, the Earth Riders Mountain Bike Club, and the Trail Masons Association. If you’re interested in riding and volunteering, contact these groups to get involved.

KC already has a great network of trails, and it’s growing every year. Get out and explore!

Read more from KCBike.Info, the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation, the Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Lawrence Journal-World.

Photo courtesy the Kansas City Star

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If there is a symbol that could summarize Mayor Darwin Hindman’s impact on Columbia, it might be a bicycle.

Hindman pushed for the creation of the cross-state Katy Trail State Park, and he worked closely with Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., to secure more than $22 million in federal grant money to make the city more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, to name just a few of his accomplishments.

GetAbout Columbia Director Ted Curtis said Hindman has been an incredible influence on the city. “He’s been instrumental in bringing programs on board. He believes in the process. He walks the walk. That type of leadership is important.”

The effects of Hindman’s efforts go beyond striped lanes and bike racks.

Sarah Ashman, manager of Walt’s Bicycle Fitness and Wilderness Co., said that in recent years there have been more customers who say they use bicycles to commute as opposed to recreation. She bases this on increased bicycle sales and the increased sale of bike accessories such as luggage racks, pannier bags and rain gear.

Hindman “has certainly changed the culture of cycling in Columbia,” she said. “Cycling in general is on the increase.” [ read more ]

After five terms as Columbia’s mayor, Hindman is retiring in April, and there is concern that some of the momentum for cycling in Columbia, which culminated with Columbia being recognized as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community last year, may be lost.

According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, Curtis isn’t worried. He said the momentum in GetAbout projects is well established, adding that it is the city’s program, not just the mayor’s. Even if a future city council puts less emphasis on non-motorized projects, Hindman said he will continue to promote biking, walking and good health. “I do intend to practice the active living and join the others who push for it.”

See also: Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation, KCBike.info, Leadership for Healthy Communities, Parade Magazine, Wikipedia, The age of Hindman.

Congratulations, Mayor Hindman! Well done.

Photo courtesy of MoBikeFed via flickr.

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More photos: KC Star, Pitch, David Rainey, joneser005 @flickr

Recap: History in the making…

An enthusiastic crowd of 150-200 people turned out for Kansas City’s very first Tweed Ride on a beautiful Spring day. Congratulations to the organizers for a well-planned and smooth-running event.

Looking forward to next year!

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Kansas City, let’s create 100 miles of bike lanes by early next year.

Let’s do it for a healthier, greener place to live. Let’s do it because generations of Kansas Citians have asked for it.

Let’s do it because this is a great American city and bike lanes would make us better. Heck, more bike lanes would trim us up and get us off those chubby city lists.

Now is the time for the Kansas City Council to get serious about creating what’s been debated for 25 years: A bike-friendly city.

Goals need deadlines, so here’s our idea:

100 miles of on-street bike lanes by April 30, 2011, the end of the next city fiscal year. And Mayor Mark Funkhouser should push harder for his goal of making Kansas City a bike-friendly, platinum-rated city by the League of American Bicyclists by 2020.

The 100-mile goal is tough, but doable, and Kansas Citians have been asking for a safer biking environment for decades. Kansas City has devised and revised and re-revised — and yet never acted on — ambitious bike route plans since 1986, with complete reworks in 1991 and 2001. This foot-dragging has put us far behind other metropolitan areas. We’re the worst cycling city in America, according to some.

…

Kansas City has waited long enough. Let’s add 100 miles of bike lanes by early 2011 and make our city a healthier, more attractive place to live.

Did you catch the words there?

“Bike lanes”. Not “bike paths”. Not “trails”.

Bike lanes!

The focus here is transportation, not recreation.

100 miles is obviously just an arbitrary round number, but it’s an ambitious goal, particularly given that KC has very few bike lanes, and only about 30 miles of off-street paths and trails.

It takes more than bike lanes to make a city truly bicycle-friendly, but it’s certainly a good start. A modest investment in cycling infrastructure would pay for itself many times over in decreased congestion, improved health, and improved air quality (particularly given that the KC area has repeatedly violated air quality standards and may be forced to impose new restrictions).

And, of course, the value of lives saved is immeasurable.

So, do KC leaders “get it”? They’re been moving in that direction for awhile now, but so far, there isn’t a whole lot to show for it. Are they willing to take concrete steps, such as adding 100 miles of bike lanes, to make a move livable city?

Let’s hope so!

See also: Kansas City’s Platinum Vision, KC Struggles To Become More Bicycle-Friendly

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When people hear the words “critical mass,” they probably imagine a motley crew of cyclists drinking beer, slowing down traffic and generally getting in everyone’s way.

While that assessment wouldn’t be entirely inaccurate, it’s tough to get the whole story until you actually take part in the monthly bike parade and experience Kansas City from a cyclist’s perspective.

The ride moves at a pace that slower riders can keep up with, and red lights do not necessarily equal “stop.” Outlying riders, or “corkers,” post up at intersections to make sure cars don’t disrupt the peloton, usually by waving thanks to the drivers and wishing them a “Happy Friday.”

While disregarding traffic signals might seem like a dubious method of promoting safe biking, the movement certainly succeeds in making drivers reconsider who owns the roads. Critical Mass turns the traffic hierarchy on its head, as streets that might otherwise be dangerous for a lone biker become grand bicycling thoroughfares for a larger group. As cyclist Matt Lavigne states, “The mass is what’s critical.”

“It’s just a bunch of friendly folk riding around, having a good time,” said Ryan Jones. Cyclist Chris Lee called Critical Mass “a real spirit-lifter.”

Read more: Critical Mass a ‘spirit-lifter’ for KC cycling community

Click the images below for videos from March 26th’s KC Critical Mass:

See also: KC Critical Mass on Facebook

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The Bicycle Safety Bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Sutherland and supported by MoBikeFed in 2005 originally included a 3 foot minimum passing distance. However, at the insistence of the insurance industry–who feared a specific, concrete legal requirement would lead to more claims against their customers–the specific three foot requirement was removed at that time.

Missouri’s current law simply states that motorists “shall leave a safe distance, when passing the bicycle, and shall maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.”

Most motorists already pass bicyclists with a distance greater than three feet. However the addition of the three foot language to Missouri law would help clarify the issue of exactly what motorists are doing wrong when it comes to court cases. [ read more from the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation ]

And the debate is not just in halls of government. Everyday cyclists are voicing their opinions as well.

Over at Carbon Trace, Andy Cline opposes the bill and makes an interesting argument (HB 1250 Must Be Stopped): “I know there are many well-meaning bicycle advocates that think this law is a good idea. I respectfully disagree. I base my opinion on experience riding in traffic. While 3 feet might be fine if a car is passing at 25 mph, it is most certainly too close at 45 mph. This law treats all roads, speeds, and traffic conditions equally. It is far better that HB1250 fail than we end up with a 3-foot law.”

In I Want More Than Three Feet, he writes: “While it may seem that such a law seeks to protect bicyclists, I think it will instead make us less safe. Three feet is not enough room. But three feet is all you’ll get once drivers learn there’s a “3-foot law” in Missouri. In other words, cars will begin passing you closer!”

What do you think?

Does specifying a minimum passing distance actually encourage motorists to pass you closer than if the wording of the law is the vague “safe passing distance”?

For what it’s worth, there are currently 14 states — Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin — currently have 3-foot passing laws on the books, and several more (including Missouri and Iowa) are working towards some version of such a law (see More states consider 3-foot bicycle-passing laws in 2010 from BikingBis).

Here in Kansas, I don’t believe lawmakers have ever officially considered the issue. Ideas have been floated (see Kansas Bicycle Safety Law Proposal), but that’s as far as it’s gotten so far…

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Carthage’s Ruby Jack Trail has proven so successful that phase two will likely be launched early next month.

“It’s been a huge undertaking,” said Braden Horst, secretary of the Joplin Trails Coalition, a group that oversees both the Carthage trail as well as the Frisco Greenway Trail, which intersects nearby Joplin and Webb City.

Both trails are so-called “Rails to Trails” projects, meaning they are former railroads converted into multi-use trails. The trails are maintained by the Coalition and donations from local individuals and businesses.

Ruby Jack Trail is 16 miles long and snakes its way west from Carthage to the Kansas state line. But 13 of those 16 miles are extremely rough, and caution is used for those who try to job or mountain bike its length. Walkers, runners and bikers now regularly use phase one of the project, three miles of packed crushed rock.

Phase two, an additional eight miles, will make its way to Oronogo, located north of Webb City, consisting of finer, smoother crushed rock. Phase three, which is still well down the road, will make its way through Carl Junction, “paving” the final eight miles with crushed rock, and ending at the Sunflower State’s border. [ read more ]

Here’s a map of the Ruby Jack Trail:

Although the public is free to use the trail, the Joplin Trails Coalition warns: “All 16 miles of the trail are currently open for hiking and mountain biking, but the trail is very rough and a lot of work needs to be done before it can be used by all types of bikes. Please be careful when hiking or biking on the trail.”

It’s unclear if there are any plans to continue the trail on the Kansas side of the state line…

Learn more: Joplin Trails Coalition, Ruby Jack Trail draws more use as awareness grows

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In the spirit of “The Golden Age of Bicycles” the Groody Bros. Bicycle Restoration Project cordially invites you to participate in the first annual Kansas City Tweed Ride – Velocipede & Tweed Indeed! Please join us on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at Loose Park in Kansas City, MO for an afternoon of sophisticated social revelry upon the most marvelous machines ever devised by man.

We will congregate under the shelter located at 52nd and Wornall Road at the hour of 12, with the ride to commence at approximately one o’clock. Dress in your finest turn of the century era wools, tweeds, silks and argyles*. Riders, and their machines, will have the opportunity to be judged and awarded prizes based on appearance, authenticity, originality, and creativity. Categories to include, but are not limited to:

• Most Flattering Female Finery
• Most Dashing & Debonair Male
• Most Period Authentic Machine
• Most Handsome Mustache (Masculinely Male)
• Most Delicate Mustache (Fictitiously Female)
• Most Intriguing Accessory upon a Person
• Most Intriguing Accessory upon a Bicycle

Our route will pass through some of the finest and most elegant neighborhoods in the Kansas City area with regrouping locations allowing for fine refreshment. The length of our journey will be no greater than ten miles and at a speed of the most casual nature. This is about style not speed, elegance not exertion. This is to be considered a family affair to be enjoyed by the young and old alike. Light refreshments of tea and biscuits will be provided. We invite you to bring your own picnic fare to share.

While at the event you can expect to have your image captured in candid fashion by none other than world renowned urban cyclist photographer, Chris Thomas.

Another local artist of the brush and canvas variety, Kevin Nierman, whose works have graced the covers of such esteemed and prestigious publications as Dirt Rag Magazine and Bicycling Times has generously donated an original painting created just for this event. This work of art will be made available to one fortunate member of the general populous through a chance drawing. Raffle tickets will be available for a nominal donation on the day of the event. The proceeds will benefit a local youth cycling endeavor and assist to defray a portion of the event expenses.

Current sponsors include Groody Bros. Bicycle Restoration Project, Poindexter Recruiting, Boneshaker: A Bicycling Almanac, Kevin Nierman Graphic Design, Chris Thomas Photography, Chipman Creative Design, Family Bicycles, LLC, other sponsors still at large…

Contact us if you wish to volunteer, donate prizes or become a sponsor. Please feel free to direct your comments, suggestions and inquiries to TweedRideKC@gmail.com . Any and all R.S.V.P. to this address would be greatly appreciated so that we might properly prepare for the onslaught of participants.

This event does not include rider support by those infernal internal combustion machines. All riders should arrive with a bicycle in proper working order and be aware that their participation is purely and completely at their own risk. Riders are expected to observe and obey all rules of the road and behave in a dignified and civilized manor during the course of the event.

*The sporting of denim, spandex or lycra is to be highly discouraged. The organizers of this event consider these fabrics to be in exceedingly poor taste. The wearers of such apparel can expect to be openly scorned, chastised and run the risk of being “tarred and feathered” by an angry mob.

You can learn more about the event on their web site or Facebook event page.

“Tweed Rides” are popping up in cities all over. Here are a few more you may want to check out: Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, and many more around the world.

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This two-day festival includes a cross country mountain bike race, a cyclocross race, and a trail run. The races take place at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park, and on the magnificent Swope Park Trails.

Here’s the event flyer:

Learn more on the event web site or view the event flyer.

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History buffs and bicyclists who have long sought to save a rusty old railroad bridge as part of a state recreation trail could have a new reason for optimism as a result of the federal economic stimulus package.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is applying this month for $27 million in stimulus funds to build a new steel railroad bridge over the Osage River east of Jefferson City.

In a round about way, that could help preserve the Depression-era Katy Railroad bridge that crosses the Missouri River at Boonville, about 50 miles to the northwest.

The bridge was built in 1931-32, and the last train crossed the bridge in 1986. The bridge is designed so that the 408 ft. center section of the bridge can be raised or lowered (to accommodate tall river traffic) in 70 seconds, using electrical lifting and automatic leveling machinery unique to the Katy Bridge.

If the bridge, which is on the Katy Trail right-of-way but not currently used, were removed, some believe that it would be a threat to the entire trail, since it would interrupt the railbanked railroad line.

Local groups and trail advocates, which had hoped to save the historic bridge and restore it as a functional part of the trail, now appear to have hope that the bridge will remain as an iconic landmark for the city, for the state, and for the Katy Trail itself.

Learn more about the issue: Missouri Bicycle Federation, Save the Katy Bridge Coalition.

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• Bike MS Riding Skills Clinic: This clinic is designed to teach key techniques for cyclists in group riding settings. Communication, dodging obstacles, riding in proximity and emergency stopping techniques are covered. Class space is limited so please reserve your spot today! The clinic will be held at the MS Society office in Kansas City (7611 State Line Road, Suite 100 in Kansas City, MO) on August 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on September 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Traffic Skills 101: This course gives cyclists the confidence needed to ride safely during Bike MS and every day. The course covers bicycle safety, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Designed for anyone riding a bike, it prepares cyclists for safely sharing the road. Part of this course is in-class, and part of the course is on-bike and on-road. This is an all-day course held at the MS Society office in Kansas City (7611 State Line Road, Suite 100 in Kansas City, MO). It will be offered on August 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

These classes are sponsored by the Kansas City MS Society, and are intended to help cyclists prepare for the Bike MS: Kansas City Ride on September 12th.

You can lead more about the education opportunities at the MS Society web site.

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Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Mark Funkhouser comments on the bicycle-friendliness of his city:

“We haven’t made an effort to be bike friendly, and we’re not,” says Funkhouser, who calls Kansas City one of the least bike-friendly cities in the country.

And the stats agree with him. In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau counted just fifty people who commuted to work every day on a bicycle in Kansas City. But Mayor Funkhouser says that no one has ever even really tried to come up with a plan to fix that problem.

“What there have been grand plans for is the Power and Light District. And there’s the Power and Light District. There have been grand plans for the Sprint Center. And there’s the Sprint Center. There have been grand plans for stuff like that, but I don’t think that bicycling has ever been on the radar screen,” says Funkhouser.

But Mayor Funkhouser is confident that he can change that. He wants Kansas City to become a platinum-rated bicycle city by 2020. That’s the highest rating given by the League of American Bicyclists. That means, for starters, Kansas City would have to install more bike lanes, more off-street bike trails, and a whole lot more bicycle racks.

“If we’re going to make this a green city, we’re going to have to be more bicycle-friendly. I’ve seen cities in Europe where at the train station there are thousands of bicycles on racks. That’s where we’re going someday,” says Funkhouser.

“This is the least bike friendly place I’ve ever been to or even seen. I’m flabbergasted about how behind the times Kansas City is with being non-automobile transportation friendly,” says Ben Clayman, who bikes about five miles to work nearly every day.

Kansas City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, Deb Ridgway (who we interviewed on Episode 3 of the Kansas Cyclist Podcast), said “We just have never installed things like bike lanes and bike route signs and all the things that help to encourage people to show that this is a good place to bike and walk.”

The Kansas City Star recently wrote (in Put KC on the path to a greener, healthier future) that “Federal stimulus funds are creating opportunities for cities to transform themselves with alternative transportation. Few cities need transforming more than Kansas City. The City Council should seize an opportunity presented to its transportation committee Thursday to move forward with an ambitious plan of new bike and pedestrian lanes, paths and routes.”

Kansas City’s Bike Plan, calls for 200 miles of on-street bike routes and an additional 50 miles of off-street bike paths by 2012, but the bike plan is competing with other local transportation projects for a limited amount of federal stimulus dollars.

And that is the issue that has always prevented Kansas City from becoming more bike friendly. In a town that loves big SUV’s, bikes have always been considered something of an afterthought. But Mayor Funkhouser insists that bikes are one of his top priorities. “For short trips of two or three miles to the grocery store, we ought not be firing up the SUV.”

Read more from Kansas City’s public radio station, KCUR: Bicyclists Aim to Make Kansas City More Bike Friendly They also have an audio version of the story, which you can listen to on their site. KCBike.info has addition coverage: Federal stimulus money could fund huge advancement in KC bike/ped program. See also: Kansas City’s Platinum Vision.

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Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers.

To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri.”

It’s good to see this high-profile (and highly profitable for the state) event move forward. Canceling it at this late date would have been a disaster for the state and for bicycle racing fans worldwide.

Additional coverage: Missouri Bicycle Federation, MissouriNet, Springfield News-Leader, StJoeNews, Forbes, Kansas City Star, Sedalia Democrat, VeloNews.

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By now, some of you may have heard rumors regarding Gov. Nixon freezing state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. I would like to share with you the details that we currently have:

On Wednesday, at the close of business, I was informed by the Division of Tourism that the money set aside for the Tour of Missouri was frozen by Gov. Nixon’s administration. The state’s commitment for the 2009 Tour of Missouri was $1.5 million. Without these funds, which are available and approved by the Tourism Commission, the Tour of Missouri will cease to exist.

At this time, I have requested a special meeting of the Missouri Tourism Commission to evaluate our options and decide what our next step should be.

As you know, we are very close to putting the final touches on the race this year. Our sponsors have invested and we are on track with our fundraising goals. Teams from across the world, the same teams now racing in the Tour de France, have been invited to our state, and communities across Missouri are making great preparations for the race. Contracts have been signed by the state, cities, sponsors and vendors and cutting this funding will leave the state susceptible to wasteful litigation.

Right now, I am urging cycling fans across our great state, and around the world to contact Gov. Jay Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to release the funding for the largest sporting event ever held in our state.

I am grateful for the supporters, sponsors, volunteers and spectators who in the past two years have helped generate nearly $60 million in economic impact for our state, and brought over 800,000 visitors to the race.

With your help, I truly believe we can ensure the survival and success of the 2009 Tour of Missouri.

You can also contact Governor Nixon via email.

It would be a true shame to lose such a high-profile event, after it’s been proven to be huge moneymaker for the state of Missouri as a whole. Please let your opinion be heard!

Additional coverage: SaveTheTourOfMissouri.com, Peter Kinder interview with KMOX, Missouri Bicycle Federation, KCBike.info, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Springfield News-Leader, Kansas City Star, or @savethetour on Twitter

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“I realized after being away, there just aren’t many places cooler than this,” Edwards said. “So I moved back, and now I live here and I’m really proud to live here.”

The day started at Rock Bridge State Park, 2,273 acres of natural beauty and serenity that is hard to believe is only 10 minutes from the bustling center of this college town.

“This park is one of Columbia’s best secrets. It’s a beautiful place to come mountain biking, hiking. There’s a cave that runs under this ground that goes for over 50 miles.”

The park boasts 15 miles of trails and endless possibilities for adventure, from hiking and biking to canoeing and even cave exploration.

When Edwards gets the need for speed at home, he opts for two wheels instead of four. He grabs his bicycle and heads to the Katy Trail, just up the road from Rock Bridge Park.

“This used to be an old railroad, and now it’s a state park. It’s 10 feet wide, it’s over 200 miles long, and all of this is open to the public.”

Edwards also showed us one of his favorite trail features: a beautiful giant bur oak tree simply referred to by Missouri natives as “the big bur oak.” Edwards says it’s one of the oldest in the state and thinks that it is one of the coolest spots along the trail.

Favorite quote from the video: “I ride my bike on the Katy Trail probably 2, 3 times a week if I can.”

Read more from CNN: NASCAR driver shows off his Missouri hometown

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The family-friendly event will be May 23-24 and will take participants on a leisurely ride from Columbia to Boonville and back again over two days for a total of 75 miles. Along the way, riders will be treated to free music at numerous stops along the Katy Trail as well as a headlining performance by Big Smith at Kemper Park in Boonville.

Riders will depart from Flat Branch Park in Columbia on the morning of May 23. Upon check in, participants can drop off their overnight bags for separate transportation to Boonville. Once on the trail, riders will be able to stop at various locations, including Katyfish Katy’s, Les Bourgeois, Rocheport General Store and Cooper’s Landing for music, food and drinks before ending their first day in Boonville with the Big Smith performance and crazy bike show at Boonville’s Kemper Park.

On May 24, riders will be able to depart Boonville at their leisure for the return ride to Columbia. Along the way, riders will again experience musical performances before ending their ride back at Flat Branch Park. The event promises to be a fun-filled outdoor adventure. For more information on schedules and performers, or to register, visit http://www.pedalersjamboree.com.

For additional information, contact Mike Denehy, director of Off Track Events, at 573.228.7476 or OffTrackEvents@gmail.com.

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According to the Kansas City Star:

Bicyclists and pedestrians will get their lane across the Missouri River earlier than expected thanks to millions in federal stimulus money.

The Missouri Department of Transportation allocated $4.5 million in stimulus money for rehab work on the Heart of America Bridge, which will include the new bike/pedestrian lane.

MoDOT believes it will start construction on the bridge by March 2010 and complete it by the end of the year.

Planners at the Mid-America Regional Council, which coordinate local transportation planning, expected construction to start in 2011. MoDOT had committed to building the bike lane by 2012.

The lane for the first time will give downtown a Missouri River bridge with barriers that separate pedestrians and cyclists from speeding vehicles. Read more…

See also: Economic stimulus allows MoDOT to accelerate HOA bike/ped lane from KCBike.Info.

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In 1992, the City began its planning efforts to complete a combined bike route and trail plan for Blue Springs. Supported by the Out of the Blue into the Future Visioning Plan of 1998 and a number of subsequent annual Citizen Survey Reports, the plan identified the potential for 24.5 miles of bike routes and 29.1 miles of trails throughout the City.

In 2000, the City received a bike/trail grant from the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) for a little more than $500,000. The City Council then matched the grant with $500,000 in designated funds, making total funding for the project more than $1 million.

After more than 10 years of plan development and complex decision making, the vision for the Bike and Pedestrian Trail project has come to fruition, as it was approved by City Council during Tuesday’s meeting. Next steps for the project with include all required land work necessary to get the bike and pedestrian trails under construction.

According to the City of Blue Springs Bike Route and Trail Project, the current plan is for 19.3 miles of bike routes and 3.12 miles of trails. Trails included 1.5 miles around Lake Remembrance, with one bridge, and 1.62 miles of improvements on Quarry Road and Opossum Hollow Road for access to existing Jackson County trail in Blue Springs Lake Park. It also includes the purchase and installation of eighteen enclosed, lockable bike lockers to be located in three commuter parking lots. These lockers were installed in 2006, and are being used by the public.

Read more from bluespringsgov.com, the Kansas City Star, and the Missouri Bicycle Federation.

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Beginning this Friday at 2:00pm, Cliff Drive will be closed to motorized vehicles every weekend throughout the year. The gates will reopen each Monday at 8:00am.

The innovative Car Free Weekends pilot program, which took place every weekend from May to October 2008, was initiated to provide safe opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle-oriented activities that promote healthy lifestyles for all to enjoy. Based on the success of the 2008 summer program, the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners approved the expansion of the program to year round.

Impact of the 2008 Pilot Program:

• Residents reported an increase in visitation to the Northeast by bicyclists
• KCPD reported the number of 2008 calls/incidents specific to Cliff Drive decreased by 74% when compared to 2007
• The Kansas City Museum reported attendance increases even with the restoration of Corinthian Hall
• Parks and Recreation Maintenance and Operations staff reported fewer incidents of dumping, less litter and fewer incidents of vandalism

Laurie Chipman, Advocate for the Kansas City Bicycle Club, notes that “Here is a win-win low cost program. Crime is reduced because cars are shut off and there are “eyes on the street.” Some of this crime was no doubt dumping of trash. But, more visits to the neighborhood increases economic development opportunities. I would like to see this car-free route lengthened into areas where people can buy refreshments or some vendors set up stands there.”

Read more: Car Free Weekends on Cliff Drive Expand, Cliff Drive will extend pedestrian weekends, No Driving on Cliff Drive.

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