KC area cyclists have a chance to help improve the cycling/pedestrian infrastructure in Independence, Missouri. The Independence Public Works Department is involved in applications for several different grants through Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and at present we are working on a Complete Streets project that will include several things including sidewalks and bike lanes on roadways. In particular, 24 Highway from M-291 west to River, and 40 Highway from Blue Ridge Cut-off east to Sterling.
Public Works is reaching out to area cyclists and organizations requesting letters of support for this project; mainly identifying the need and the fact that they would be utilized in these areas.
Any project that improves cycling in the metro area stands to benefit all area cyclists. The more cities that buy into improved facilities for cycling, the more other cities will look to providing more of the same in their area.
The Independence projects’ are focused along major east-west corridors that connect directly to Kansas City on the west, and Blue Springs on the east. These improvements would be a major step forward for the area and increases the possibility of cycling infrastructure that connects major cities across the metro area.
Please take a few moments to write a quick letter of support for the projects, even if yo are not a resident of Independence.
Letters should be addressed to:
Tim Gramling, Public Works Director
City of Independence
Public Works Department
111 E. Maple
Independence, MO 64050
The grant will be submitted on Friday, March 25, so the letters would need to reach Tim no later than Thursday, March 24. They can also be scanned and emailed to him at tgramling@indepmo.org. He is also available by phone at 816-325-7606.
Image via Jeff Moser/Flickr
