KanBikeWalk Organization Formed. A new state bicycling and walking advocacy group, KanBikeWalk, was formed in December at an organizational meeting held in Emporia attended by representatives of Kansas running, biking, and walking organizations as well as KDOT. The model for this organization is the Missouri Bicycle Federation which has been very successful in generating support for extending the famous KATY Trail into the Kansas City Metro Area. The organization's mission is to promote a safe bicycling and walking environment for Kansans through education and advocacy. To learn more or get involved contact President Gina Poertner, Emporia.
Two Rivers Trail in Lawrence Update. The City of Lawrence has applied for a $500,000 federal Transportation Enhancement grant from KDOT to build the 1.5-mile Burroughs Creek Trail (a.k.a. Two Rivers Trail) from 11th Street to 23rd Street where it will link up with the Haskell Rail-Trail, Kansas' first rail-trail. The total cost of the 10-foot-wide concrete path is $845,000. The trail will have raised pedestrian crossings among other features. The City is in the process of acquiring the right-of-way. Ultimately, the trail will extend from the Wakarusa River to the Kansas River. KDOT is expected to announce grant awards in May.
Topeka Landon Trail Update. Construction on the Landon Trail in eastern Topeka has slowed due to cold weather. Most of the 10-foot-wide concrete path has been completed except for road crossing approaches and a section north of 25th Street. The trailhead is located at 15th & Monroe (just east of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site). As funds become available the recreational path will be extended from 25th Street to the city limits where it will connect with the crushed limestone segment maintained by the Landon Nature Trail Division of Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy. The Landon Trail stretches 38 miles to just west of the town of Pomona.
Marysville Seeks Grant for Trail. The City of Marysville has applied for a $1 million TE grant for development of a trail and plaza project within the city . The recreational path will utilize a former Union Pacific corridor and it will connect with the 12-mile Kansas segment of the Homestead Trail now under development. The Kansas segment is being developed by Marshall County Connection. The historic Homestead Trail will eventually extend 66 miles to Lincoln, Nebraska and could form a part of the Quad State Trail Network.
Multi-use Path Planning Board in Emporia Established. The Emporia City Commission recently approved the creation of a Multi-use Path Planning Board to create a multi-use pathway system that will allow citizens to bicycle and walk safely away from traffic. The first goal of the board is to identify pathway routes that will enable children to walk or bicycle safely to and from school. The board will be working to identify non-governmental funding sources.
Len Foote Hike Inn. The Len Foote Hike Inn is only accessible by hiking along a five-mile trail. Located in state park north of Atlanta, Georgia, it has won a Green LEED gold certificate. For more information, visit the inn's web site.. A trail near the inn takes hikers to the Appalachian Trail.