The Kansas Department of Transportation is performing a study of the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct (I-70 in downtown Topeka), and is asking for public input.

In addition to looking at motor vehicle traffic on I-70 itself, the study also considers other modes of transportation, such as public transit, bicycles and pedestrians.

Any large highway, especially in an urban setting such as downtown Topeka, becomes a barrier to local traffic, particularly bicyclists and pedestrians. Here’s a chance for us to tell KDOT that we need safe highways crossings.

Go to http://i70polkquincy.ksdot.org/ and complete the survey and/or use the online comment form to pass along your concerns.

Also, they are planning on holding public meetings in January and April. If you live in Topeka, make plans to attend and let your voice be heard!

See also: KDOT begins viaduct study from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

We have a great opportunity to influence our Congressional leaders that only takes a minute. The more communication they receive asking for support, the better our chances of making good things happen for bike/ped. Let’s let our members of Congress know that we want safe streets for all roadway users!

Please join us for the 2009 KanBikeWalk Annual Meeting, October 31st in Wichita, Kansas, 1-4pm, where we’ll discuss the important issues affecting Kansas bicyclists and pedestrians. There’s also a short pre-meeting ride on the bike paths along the Arkansas River, starting at 10am.

Transportation Enhancements are the largest federal source of bicycle and pedestrian funding and they are under attack. Please call your Senator immediately and urge them to vote NO on S. Amendment 2370 and S. Amendment 2371 to the FY10 transportation appropriations bill.

KanBikeWalk will host a booth at the Ironman Kansas 70.3 expo and race to be held at Clinton Lake State Park on June 14th, 2009. If you didn’t get to attend or compete in this race last year, this is a great opportunity to get involved!

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has initiated a project called the 5-County Regional Transportation Planning Study, which will provide an assessment of transportation needs in five northeast Kansas counties (Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte). This is your chance to help shape the future of transportation in your community.

Wednesday, February 4th was KanBikeWalk’s very first Advocacy Day at the Kansas state capitol in Topeka.
The purpose of the event was to introduce KanBikeWalk to state-level elected officials, and to ask for their help in creating a more bikeable and walkable Kansas. We distributed informational folders to all the state Representatives and Senators, and met [...]

KanBikeWalk’s first Advocacy Day is scheduled for February 4th, 2009 in Topeka, Kansas. Your help is needed as we meet with every state-level elected official to ask for their help to create a more bikeable and walkable Kansas.

KDOT reports that in 2007 there were 350 accidents (and 7 deaths) in which cell phone distraction played a role. There seems to be a growing consensus some sort of distracted driver legislation is necessary and appropriate. Please join KanBikeWalk in supporting this important issue.

In January Congress and the President will sign an economic recovery bill that will include hundreds of billions of dollars, many of which will go to build transportation infrastructure. We need to make sure those dollars build a balanced transportation system ­including bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.