Missouri Bicycle News

The recent World Class Cycling Summit in Wentzville, jointly sponsored by the Missouri Bicycle Federation and the Westplex Sports Arts and Entertainment Local Organizing Committee was held December 18th.

The Summit brought together key groups and individuals from across the state and across the metro area to talk about what it will take to turn the Westplex area into a truly world-class bicycling destination.

Discussion was wide-ranging--everything was discussed, from the possibility of a velodrome, bicycle races, triathlons and other special events, Complete Streets policies, Safe Routes to Schools programs, community bicycle plans, Bicycle Friendly Communities programs, trail networks, educational programs, and much more.

As important as the ideas generated at the summit was the assembling of key people--those who know what needs to be done, and those who have the influence to get it done.

The Westplex

The idea of a Bicycle Summit--getting together key community leaders, bicycling organizations, and community members to create the critical mass needed to change the community--is a very powerful one.

Louisville, Kentucky, went from nothing--essentially no official bicycle facilities or trails--to Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community in just two years, starting with a Bicycle Summit in 2005. All the pieces are in place for this same dynamic to happen in the Westplex.

These Missouri communities have recently completed or are currently planning something like a community bicycle summit--a good indication of the positive momentum building for better bicycle roads, trails, and policies across Missouri:

• St. Joseph--leading to the organization of Quad States Trails of St. Joseph, Inc.
  
• Maryville--leading to the creation of their current city plan
  
• Columbia--extensive planning and public meetings leading to the plans for the Nonmotorized Transportation project that is currently being implemented.
  
• Cape Girardeau--public involvement has lead to an effort for Complete Streets and work towards Bicycle Friendly Community status.
  
• Springfield--Summit planned for February 8th, 2008.
  
• Kansas City--Summit planned for later this year.
  

Related:

News: Harkin "Complete Streets" Amendment fails; MO Sen. Bond speaks against

News: Springfield Bicycle Summit this weekend

permanent link to article: "Westplex Bicycle Summit brings community together"
posted by Brent Hugh at 1/16/2008 10:53:00 PM |comment on this article