Kansas City, Missouri- Adopts Livable Streets resolution

Kansas City adopts Livable Streets resolution.


 Kansas City, Missouri, January 27, 2011 - The Missouri Bicycle And Pedestrian Federation proudly announces a giant step forward for bicyclist, pedestrians and motorists today as the Kansas City Council adopts the city's first Livable Streets resolution 110069.

http://cityclerk.kcmo.org/liveweb/Documents/Document.aspx?q=NqJpNXtnk1JvB%2fxWC5843a%2f8iRslPm%2b%2fRgAgRmcSSA4tznDk%2fcMjkkg0ymAfSFJL

4th District Councilmember Beth Gottstein initiated the resolution, stating “This resolution will provide safe access to public roads for all users by encouraging transportation improvement plans consider the safety, access and mobility needs of all travelers, regardless of age or ability”
"Councilmember Gottstein has been a tireless supporter of Complete Streets efforts. From her work on the back-in angle parking demonstration to her participation in the annual Car Free Challenge, she has supported the bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in Kansas City, MO and across the metro area” states Eric Rogers, Vice President of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation.

 This resolution, together with policy changes recently adopted by the city, helps to ensure that more Kansas City streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities will be able to safely move along and across a complete street.  Kansas City is moving to the forefront of transportation parity in Missouri following the adoption of similar Complete Streets policies in Columbia, De Soto, Ferguson, Crystal City, Festus, Herculaneum, St. Louis, and Lee’s Summit.  There are over 200 jurisdictions formally committed to Complete Streets according to Barbara McCann, the Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition.

Brent Hugh, Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation states, "A Complete Streets policy means our roads and streets are designed for everyone--the old, the young, people with a disability, people who walk, bicycle, take the bus, or drive. Complete Streets improve safety for all road users and may improve adjacent property values. This resolution is a great step forward for pedestrians in Kansas City – what a remarkable way to start the New Year."

For more information on complete streets visit
www.mobikefed.org/completestreets.
The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation is a statewide, not-for-profit, membership organization that advocates advancement of bicycling access, safety and education in Missouri under section 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. mobikefed.org


RESOLUTION NO. 110069
Expressing the Council’s support for the concept of “Livable Streets” as a means to promote great neighborhoods, healthy and active people, and a thriving community.


WHEREAS, active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into
daily routines, and the goal of active living is to accumulate at least 30
minutes of activity each day; and

 WHEREAS, active living promotes walking and bicycling for transportation,
recreation and physical activity; and

 WHEREAS, streets and sidewalks are an important part of our community that serve
transportation needs and are also a part of the public realm where people live,
shop, interact, and travel; and

 WHEREAS, the built environment influences residents’ choices to be physically
active and may be designed to provide a variety of opportunities for physical
activity; and

 WHEREAS, “Livable Streets” safely facilitate movement of people of all ages and
abilities from destination to destination along and across a continuous travel
network; and

 WHEREAS, the design of each Livable Street differs based on the context of each
street; and

 WHEREAS, a “Livable Street” is safe and inviting to pedestrians, bicyclists,
transit riders, the disabled, children, senior citizens, automobiles,
motorcycles and buses; and

WHEREAS, Livable Streets can be beautiful places built to pedestrian scale; and

 WHEREAS, a Livable Street can be the focal point of tight-knit communities where
neighbors enjoy spending time; and

 WHEREAS, Livable Streets are environmentally sustainable; and

 WHEREAS, Livable Streets are economically thriving; NOW, THEREFORE,

 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

 Section 1. That Kansas City is committed to providing safe and livable
neighborhoods for residents to build community and be physically active.

Section 2. That Kansas City supports the concept of Livable Streets as a means
to promote great neighborhoods, healthy and active people, and a thriving
community.

Section 3. That the Livable Streets concept is consistent and complies with the
City’s efforts to develop a bike and pedestrian friendly, multi-modal and
sustainable community, promoted in several City initiatives including the FOCUS
Kansas City Plan, adopted under Committee Substitute for Resolution No. 971268
on October 30, 1997; the Bike KC Plan, adopted under Committee Substitute for

Ordinance No. 011288 on August 15, 2002; the Walkability Plan, adopted under

Resolution No. 030211 on March 20, 2 003; the Green Solutions Policy, adopted

under Resolution No. 070830 on August 9, 2007; the Climate Protection Plan,

adopted under Resolution No. 080754 on July 24, 2008; the Trails KC Plan,

adopted under Ordinance No. 081052 on November 20, 2008; and the Zoning and

Development Code, adopted under Ordinance No. 100394 on June 10, 2010.


Well done to all the activist and advocates in Kansas City to help make this possible!!!