Cleaver Boulevard is one of KC’s most dangerous streets. Fix more than its bike lanes | Opinion

Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard, once known as East 47th Street, currently ranks as Kansas City’s third most dangerous street, as highlighted by the Vision Zero KC project. With recent streetcar-related construction, the opportunity arose to improve this thoroughfare and create a safer environment for all road users. However, the city’s decision to permanently remark the street without incorporating crucial safety measures has left us questioning officials’ commitment to public safety and connectivity.

During the construction phase, local residents and businesses eagerly anticipated the implementation of traffic calming measures and the reinstatement of parking removed between Rockhill Road and Troost Avenue on the south side. Additionally, relocating the hazardous bike lanes to the north side of the street to connect the Gillham Road bike path and the Trolley Track Trail via Rockhill Road or Oak Street received unanimous support from stakeholders, including Midtown KC Now, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Rockhill neighborhood residents.

Eric Bunch, the 4th District councilman, acted swiftly, introducing an ordinance May 10 to fix the problematic bike lanes installed in 2013, and to extend bike paths from Oak to Main streets. Unfortunately, the ordinance encountered resistance from 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson and Mayor Quinton Lucas, who requested the topic be tabled until a comprehensive citywide bike plan was presented. This delay only perpetuates the hazards faced by motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard.

In response to the lack of progress at City Hall, concerned neighbors and advocates took matters into their own hands, launching the website FixCleaver.com and collecting more than 150 signatures in just one week. This outpouring of support underscores the urgency of the situation and emphasizes that it goes beyond mere bike lane reconfiguration. It is about safeguarding the lives of visitors and commuters who frequent this perilous street.

Despite repeated attempts to engage with the mayor, the response has been underwhelming. The request for a meeting was redirected to his deputy chief of staff, and no meeting has yet been scheduled. This lack of dialogue serves only to widen the gap between elected officials and their constituents, leaving the safety of our community in jeopardy.

Lucas contends that the best approach to a safer street lies through elected officials, including himself. However, his singular focus on bike lanes neglects the comprehensive concerns raised by constituents, which encompass the safety of all road users. The recent repaving has inadvertently enabled drivers to reach unprecedented speeds without any traffic enforcement from police. Without essential traffic calming measures, Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard will continue to be a dangerous thoroughfare.

We urge Mayor Lucas and the City Council to prioritize the safety and connectivity of Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. It is essential to move beyond politics and work together to implement effective measures that will protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike. The delay in action only perpetuates the dangerous status quo, jeopardizing lives and hindering progress.

Let us come together as a community to foster a city that prioritizes safety, connectivity and the well-being of its residents and visitors. With the right approach, we can transform Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard into a model of safety and accessibility for all, setting a precedent for other streets across the city. The time for action is now. Let us build a safer, more connected future together.

Want to learn more or share your story? Visit FixCleaver.com today to sign the petition.

This story was originally published July 9, 2023 at 5:03 AM.