Letters: Readers discuss urgency on Bike KC Master Plan and the death of compromise

Human costs

How many deaths will it take for Kansas City to make an initiative a priority? One? Two? Ten?

Councilwoman Teresa Loar recently said that the Bike KC Master Plan is “not a priority,” after the death of a beloved 31-year-old community member in a car-versus-bike collision. Opponents of the plan say the price of improving street safety for pedestrians and cyclists is too great. But what is the price of a human life?

BikeWalkKC reports that at least 14 pedestrians and cyclists were killed in motor collisions in 2019. An ongoing analysis by University of Missouri-Kansas City researchers, in collaboration with BikeWalkKC, of the economic impact of adopting the bike plan estimates that 36 lives per year would be saved through reduced collisions, improved health of area residents and improved air quality. In addition, we are sure to see reduced drug- and gun-related violence with increased street openness and safety.

I’m certain if one of those 36 lives was a member of the councilwoman’s family, she would make this plan a priority. It certainly is for the 14 families and countless friends who have been affected by tragic and preventable losses.

Kansas City Council members, adopting this plan is not optional; it is literally your job.

- Mary Allemang, Kansas City

Can we make it?

Considering how divided our nation is, I wonder if we are mature enough to handle our form of government. The concepts of compromise and negotiation seem to be unknown.

These are not only sad political times, but scary ones as well.

- Bob Blackman, Raymore