MARC News
Celebrate Greater Kansas City Bike Week, May 9-16
May 8, 2009
Citizens across the greater Kansas City region are invited to leave their
cars behind and take their bicycles to the streets in celebration of Greater
Kansas City Bike Week 2009 (May 9-16). Numerous community organizations
and advocacy groups have planned a variety of activities promoting biking and
walking as a viable form of transportation, as well good methods of recreation
and fitness. Choosing to bike instead of drive helps reduce traffic congestion,
contributes to clean air, improves personal health and saves money on fuel
costs and auto maintenance.
Bike Week officially kicks off on Saturday, May 9, with the beginning of
the Car-Free
Challenge, a friendly competition that encourages citizens to reduce
their number of automobile trips by walking, biking, carpooling or using public
transit. Learn
more or register as an individual or a team.
On Monday, May 11, Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Mark Funkhouser and Councilman
Russ Johnson will unveil the city's action plan to achieve platinum designation
as a bicycle and pedestrian friendly city at a 9:00 a.m. press conference
in the Power & Light District.
Opportunities and resources are available for bicyclists of all skill levels
to ride while having fun and meeting new people. Among the numerous regional
events and activities scheduled for Bike Week:
- Workshops on bike repair and riding safety
- Morning bike-commute rest stops, sponsored by various communities
- Car-Free Weekends on Cliff Drive
- KC Women on Wheels Bike Festival and Expo (May 16, Swope Park)
- Group rides for all skill levels
If you’re a beginning cyclist, Bike Week offers many chances to learn
about bike transportation,
safety tips, proper traffic laws and more. A map
of area bike routes is
also available to help new and experienced riders plan their trips.
Bike Week is a regional effort involving local governments, area bicycle
clubs and advocacy groups, planning agencies and bike-friendly businesses.
For a full list of participating communities, sponsoring organizations and
an interactive calendar of regional events and bicycle resources, visit http://kcbike.info/bikeweek.
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