Missouri Bicycle News

Bicyclists,

Imagine a Missouri in which the Katy Trail stretches from the eastern border of the state all the way to the western border.

Imagine being able to leave your home anywhere in the Kansas City area, riding just a few miles to a trailhead, and from there being able to ride via the MetroGreen system, the Katy Trail Connection, and the Katy Trail all the way to Sedalia, Booneville, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.

This is the vision that the Missouri Bicycle Federation and Kansas City Star columnist Mike Hendricks has asked Missouri and Kansas City politicians--particularly the candidates for Missouri Governor--to endorse.

With real support from the Missouri governor's office that Katy Trail Connection to Kansas City has a real chance of happening soon.

Because of the press of issues at the end of the campaign, Matt Blunt's campaign was unable to craft a response on this issue in time for the election. However, John Hancock, Mr. Blunt's spokesman, did indicate that Blunt is a "fitness fanatic". Now that the campaign is over, Mr. Blunt may have more time to consider his stand on the issue, and the Missouri Bicycle Federation will continue to pursue the matter.

Claire McCaskill's endorsement of the Katy Trail Connection is below. McCaskill will continue as Missouri State Auditor and her support of the Katy Trail Connection may still prove very helpful.

Time spent on the Katy Trail, is time worth remembering. I remain totally committed to the vision established for this tremendous project. Whereby, expansion is possible, I would encourage efforts that can link other areas of the state. As governor, I would point out the benefits of continuing important negotiations, and finding common ground to establish a much desired connecting route to Kansas City.

Truly, Missouri's scenic pathway is only matched by its history, and I recognize the value in the work left to be done.

Claire McCaskill

Democratic Candidate for Governor /
Missouri State Auditor

Please note that the Missouri Bicycle Federation is a non-partisan organization which does not endorse candidates, but informs our membership about candidate's views insofar as they affect the mission of the Federation.

The Missouri Bicycle Federation feels that the Katy Trail Connection is important not just for bicyclists in Missouri, but for tourism, for recreation, for business, and for the health of Missourians.

The Katy Trail is an internationally known signature attraction. But as a truly cross-state trail connecting Missouri's two major metropolitan areas its impact would be much greater yet.

More on the Katy Trail Connection and the challenge to Missouri and Kansas City leaders here.

Related:

News: Ride of Silence May 19th in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Charles, St. Louis

News: THE VOTE: Springfield News-Leader's endorsement of Amendment 3 attacked

permanent link to article: "THE VOTE: Governor candidates respond to challenge to "be a champion" for Katy Trail Connection"
posted by Brent Hugh at 11/03/2004 02:28:21 AM |comment on this article