A car-centric KC is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists — but it doesn’t have to be
Kansas City has a multi-year plan, Vision Zero, to reduce traffic fatalities, and in a perfect world that would mean fewer pedestrians and cyclists being killed on city streets and sidewalks.
That perfect world has not yet arrived.
Through the end of August, 60 people have been killed on Kansas City roads, including 13 pedestrians, seven motorcyclists and two bicyclists, according to Kansas City police.
The City Council must act with urgency and consider using any available funds to immediately start building additional infrastructure that separates drivers from cyclists and pedestrians.
Another pressing option worthy of consideration: redesigning streets to slow drivers. More speed bumps in high-traffic areas would be a good starting point. Improved traffic control devices and signage at high volume intersections must be a priority.
Recent tragic accidents show the peril facing pedestrians and bike-riders in Kansas City. The death of bicyclist Charles Criniere should be a wake-up call to city leaders of the danger pedestrians and cyclists face every day in a car-centric city. As of Friday, the person responsible for Criniere’s hit-and-run death had not been identified, Kansas City police said. Criniere, the 43-year-old father of 10, deacon and schoolteacher, deserved better protection on the road.
Vision Zero is a national initiative implemented in cities across the country. In New York City, the safety protocols in place since 2014 led to a 50% reduction in traffic fatalities, according to officials in Kansas City.
Can the same reduction in deadly collisions happen here? Absolutely, traffic safety advocates said.
Bicyclists and pedestrians will be helped by improvements in the Vision Zero initiative, which the City Council approved in May. Nearly $3 million will be spent to install traffic calming measures such as speed humps, curb extensions and raised crosswalks at about 50 high-risk locations throughout the city. Intersections are being overhauled.
Expanded sidewalks have added an additional layer of protection for pedestrians. Bike lanes have been installed in underserved areas. The developments are promising. Before the end of the year, 30 miles of protected bike lanes will be added throughout the city.
We all have a duty to pay attention, share the road and put down the phones and other mobile distractions. Pedestrians and cyclists aren’t exempt from obeying traffic laws or exhibiting good safety habits, either.
We also encourage all bicycle lovers and motorcycle riders to wear helmets and use other safety protocols when going about their daily commute.
Kansas City’s plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2030 is a worthy goal. But there are reasonable changes that can be made right now to keep both drivers and non-drivers safe.