RESOLUTION NO. 110371

Adopting the commitment of becoming designated as a Platinum level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists and a Platinum designated Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center by 2020.

WHEREAS, the League of American Bicyclists has awarded Kansas City a Bronze designated Bicycle Friendly Community for completing our first steps including: establishing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, designating staff to oversee plan implementation, installing 200 miles of signed bicycle routes and removing hazardous storm grates and water inlets, adding 23 miles of bike lanes, installing more than 200 bicycle parking racks and requiring bicycle parking in new development, constructing 42 miles of trails, providing safe bicycle and pedestrian access across the Missouri River on two bridges, conducting annual bicycle and pedestrian counts, establishing annual City of Fountains Bicycle Tour and Sunday Parkway events, and providing leadership to regional Bike Week activities; and

WHEREAS, the FOCUS KC Plan recommended the development of bicycling and walking facilities as a means to create a connected city, improve neighborhood livability and to transform the image of the City as a bicycling and walking destination; and

WHEREAS, a Bicycle and Walk Friendly Community provides safe accommodations for bicycling and walking and encourages residents to bike and walk for transportation, recreation, health, and physical activity; and

WHEREAS, a Bicycle and Walk Friendly Community will boost the local economy by creating a City that is an attractive destination for new residents, tourists and businesses; and

WHEREAS, a Bicycle and Walk Friendly Community will save the City funds by creating the efficient use of public space, reducing the need for costly new road infrastructure, preventing crashes and loss of life, improving the overall health of the community, and increasing the use of public transportation; and

WHEREAS, a Bicycle and Walk Friendly community benefits all residents of Kansas City by improving air quality, reducing traffic congestion and noise, decreasing the use of and dependence upon finite energy sources, and fostering healthy lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, recognizes bicycling and walking as a viable mode of transportation, endeavors to promote safe and responsible bicycling and walking, and is committed to incorporating the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the vision for revitalizing downtown Kansas City and supporting livable neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, dedicated bike lanes, signed bike routes, trails, bicycle parking and sidewalks are integral to developing a multi-modal and sustainable community promoted in several City initiatives including the Bike KC Plan adopted under Committee Substitute for Ordinance No. 011288, the Walkability Plan adopted under Resolution No. 030211, the Green Solutions Policy adopted under Resolution No. 070830, the Climate Protection Plan adopted under Resolution No. 080754, the Trails KC Plan adopted under Ordinance No. 081052, and the Bicycle Pedestrian Friendly Community Action Plan adopted under Committee Substitute for Resolution No. 090348; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the commitment to become a Platinum designated Bicycle and Walk Friendly Community by 2020 is hereby approved as a goal to guide future bicycle and pedestrian facilities and program development within the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

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