KCFit.Net

Masterpieces July, 2008

by Chris Culbertson, posted Sep 1st 2008, 14:00

Guest Post by Dave Schieffer

2008 Missouri Legislative Roundup for Bicycling, Running and Walking (Part 1)

Missouri Bicycle Federation (MoBikeFed) reported good positive movement in support of bicycling and walking in the 2008 Missouri legislative session.

The number and quality of the legislative initiatives that have moved forward this year is a testament to the progress we have made in Missouri over the past several years.

Below is Part 1 of the summary of progress made on key issues during the Missouri General Assembly’s legislative session. I will present Part 2 in the next issue.

Bicycle Day at the Capitol

Bicycle Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City February 26th was a big success. About 40 Missourians from all across the state met with legislators and state officials, presented MoBikeFed’s new Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri, presented summaries of key issues prepared by MoBikeFed Legislative Chair Eric Rogers, and presented awards to key officials.

Katy Trail Connection - funding approved by General Assembly

$18 million from the Ameren settlement for connecting the Katy Trail to the KC metro area was appropriated by the legislature. The money to build the trail comes from the settlement with AmerenUE over the Taum Sauk disaster, but before the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) could actually spend the money, it had to be approved as part of DNR’s annual budget. MoBikeFed worked with residents and local legislators to ensure that the legislators involved understood that depth of public support for the trail project.

With the budget now approved, DNR can begin building the actual trail now. DNR is confident they can get it done in the next 3 years.

Bike Month, Bike Week, and Walk/Bike to School Month Resolutions - approved by Governor and General Assembly

Resolutions in support of National Bike Month (May), Bike to Work Week (May 12-16), and Walk/Bike to School Month (October) were sponsored by Representative Mike Sutherland of Warrenton and passed by the Missouri House of Representatives.

Governor Matt Blunt signed official proclamations for Bike Month and Bike to Work Week.

This is possibly the first year in which both the legislature and the governor have officially recognized National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week in Missouri.

Complete Streets bill - passed Missouri House

MoBikeFed and a number of other bicycle and pedestrian groups worked with Representative Mike Sutherland to introduce Complete Streets legislation. This legislation, HB 2206, provided that, when building, improving, or planning for, streets and roads, the needs of all users, including those who walk, bicycle, use transit, and have disabilities, must be taken into account.

The bill moved forward as a consent bill, passing in the Missouri House by a vote of 139-9. However, MoDOT’s opposition to the bill killed any chances for moving the bill out of committee or to a vote of the full Senate this year.

MoDOT Director Pete Rahn indicated that MoDOT would move to make whatever changes are needed to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodation through internal policy changes. Representative Sutherland indicated that he would be watching carefully to see what direction MoDOT takes and if the changes it makes are not sufficient the bill can be re-introduced during the next legislative session.

Summary

The 2008 legislative session was a very productive year for bicycle and pedestrian initiatives. With organizations like MoBikeFed leading the charge, we will continue to advocate the rights of bicyclists and pedestrians across the state.

Happy Trails!

-Dave

Dave Schieffer represents MARA on the Missouri Bicycle Federation (www.mobikefed.org). If you have any comments or suggestions for Dave, please send an email to schiefferus[at]yahoo[dot]com.