Brent Hugh
Recent Posts
Petition With Over 5000 Signatures Opposing ATVs on the Katy Trail Presented to Missouri Legislative Leaders
| | No Comments
Recently Reid Cranmer, who started an online petition opposing the infamous ATVs on the Katy Trail bill introduced in the Missouri House this year, paid a visit to Jefferson City to present the petition, with over 5000 signatures, to leaders in the Mis...
Next Step for Statewide Rock Island Trail: Jackson County Approves Bond Issue to Purchase Section of RR Corridor
| | No Comments
In September 2015, partners Jackson County and KCATA announced a partnership and an agreement to purchase 17.7 of the Rock Island RR corridor for use as a trail and, eventually, as a commuter rail corridor. Recently the County and KCATA have been completing the steps needed to finalize that agreement and purchase the corridor from Union Pacific.At a recent meeting of the Jackson County Legislature, the legislature gave approval for the issue of $52 million in bonds to purchase the westernmost section of the Rock Island railroad corridor. County officials expect purchase of the 17-mile section of the Rock Island corridor to move forward within the next few weeks or months and trail work to begin as early as this summer. Tom Gerend, Brent Hugh, and Eric Rogers spoke to the Legislature in support of the proposal while Cal Williford, Chief of Staff of County Executive Frank White looks on.This segment will be a key connecting section of a world-class, 500+ mile statewide trail loop system, stretching from state line to state line, encompassing the existing Katy Trail and the new Rock Island Trail.Former Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders, who has championed the Rock Island corridor project, presented information about the project and plans. Current Jackson County Executive Frank White also spoke in support of the proposal.Eric Rogers of BikeWalkKC, Tom Gerend of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, and Brent Hugh of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation spoke in favor of the proposal. This section will create the final trail connection to bring the Katy Trail into the heart of the Kansas City area and will also extend the Rock Island Trail into Kansas City. Both trails will eventually extend from state line to stateline, connecting the St Louis and Kansas City areas with numerous communities in between.Creating this key trail connection has been a top priority of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation for over two decades. Approval of the bond issue this month is the next step in making this trail connection a reality. We expect purchase of the rail corridor to be completed soon.The Examiner wrote:Jackson County officials and others say the purchase of unused railroad tracks -- a process that has taken years -- will help transform the way the metro area’s public transit system develops. The immediate plan is for a bike trail, but officials hope someday to run commuter rail service through the same corridor.“I am a very, very strong advocate of that project – that development – and it can’t happen fast enough for me,” Steve Klika, chairman of the Kansas City Area Transit Authority and vice chairman of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, told Jackson County legislators Monday. Jackson County Legislature discusses the bond issue for purchase of the Rock Island corridorThe County Legislature on Monday approved $52 million in bonds to buy 17.7 miles of tracks from the Union Pacific Railroad. The old Rock Island tracks, unused for 35 years, run from near Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums southeast through Raytown to the Longview area of Lee’s Summit. . . .Officials hope to issue the bonds by the end of the month and have talked about a big public kickoff event in early May. Officials have not said when bicyclists and hikers could be enjoying the trail but have said in the past that it could take a couple years. The county has $10 million in federal money in hand to cover all or most of the construction. “It’s great to see this day happening,” said Brent Hugh, executive director of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Foundation.He said connecting the Katy Trail to Kansas City has been the group’s top priority for years. That trail, which runs east-west across most of the state, is being pushed north from Windsor to Pleasant Hill, and the new Jackson County trail would come out within a few miles of that Pleasant Hill trailhead. . . .“The longer the trail, the farther people will travel to visit it,” he said. Former Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders and his Chief of Staff Calvin Williford made the Rock Island corridor a centerpiece of his term in officeWhat does the future Rock Island Trail network look like?What will the entire Katy Trail-Rock Island Trail statewide trail loop look like? See this zoomable map of the planned trail system.The Rock Island Trail consists of these segments--each with its own history, owners, potential owners, and progress: Segment 1: ~24.8 miles - Rock Island, Pleasant Hill to KC. The current Jackson County/KCATA purchase is for 17.7 miles of this segment, leaving a small gap between the Jackson County segment and existing trail in Pleasant Hill.Segment 2: 47.6 miles - Rock Island, Pleasant Hill to Windsor - result of the Taum Sauk settlement with Ameren (State Parks). This segment was railbanked earlier in 2014 and salvage work/trail construction is currenctly underway. There is another small segment of trail about 0.6 miles, through and near Pleasant Hill.Segment 3: 143.7 miles - Rock Island, Windsor to Beaufort (near Washington) (State Parks). This is the segment the STB approved railbanking in late 2014. The Rock Island combined with the Katy Trail will make a 457-mile cross-state trail loop (click for full-sized version)Segment 4: ~20-40 miles - Work to plan the final connection between the Rock Island at Beaufort, Washington City, and the Katy Trail is underway and under intense discussion by Missouri State Parks, local officials in the Washington area, and Ameren. They assure us that a good solution will be found. This segment could add 20-40 miles, more or less, to the total Katy/Rock Island trail loop mileage depending on details.Segments 5+: Connections between the Katy & Rock Island Trails are possible between Warsaw and Sedalia, at Jefferson City, at Hermann, and in other places. In addition, connections to the ends of the trail system are possible on both ends and at some points in between. We could easily end up with a few dozen more miles of connecting trail. Stay tuned!Representatives of MoBikeFed and MoRIT meet with Ameren to deliver petition signatures in support of the Rock Island Trail. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy played a key role in promoting the trail, helping build nationwide support, and in submitting a competitive bid to purchase the corridor. TOTAL Rock Island Trail mileage Kansas City to Beaufort, is 216.7 milesTOTAL Katy Trail milage is 240 miles. By the RR mile markers, the Katy is 237.7 miles, but the trail diverges from the RR corridor in a few place. Missouri State Parks confirms that Total katy Trail mileage is currently 240.TOTAL Katy Trail/Rock Island system will be 457 miles plus an additional ~20-40 miles for the Beaufort-Dutzow connection near Washington. We will most likely end up with more than 500 miles in our statewide trail loop.When the new Rock Island Trail segments are complete, that will rocket Missouri to the forefront of states with long, interconnected trail systems. With the addition of major planned trail systems in the St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and other areas of the state, the state's trail system starts to look formidable indeed. Find out more about the trail on our Missouri Rock Island Trail page. One of the top goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri is building a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri. The addition of the Rock Island Trail to Missouri's statewide trail system is the biggest single advance we have seen in Missouri in over 20 years.Your membership and generous financial contributions help turn our Vision into reality--building the statewide public support for bicycling, walking, and trails that make major advances like the Rock Island Trail possible. Photo credits:Legislature testimony: Jackson County RailOthers: Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation
Link:
Next step for statewide Rock Island Trail: Jackson County approves bond issue to purchase section of RR corridor
Which Missouri County Has the Highest Pedestrian Fatality Rate?
| | No Comments
Which Missouri counties have the highest pedestrian fatalities rates? Are the highest fatality rates in the big cities, small cities, suburbs, or rural areas? Are most fatalities on high speed streets, low speed streets, or somewhere in between? Pedest...
Columbia Mayor’s Task Force on Pedestrian Safety Recommends Vision Zero Approach
| | No Comments
Last Friday, the Columbia Mayor's Task Force on Pedestrian Safety issued its final report, which gives a strong recommendation for implementing a Vision Zero policy in Columbia: Columbia's Vision Zero ReportAfter thirteen meetings during the last 9 months, we are pleased to present our Final Report and Recommendations, titled "A Vision Zero Policy for Columbia." As you will read, "Vision Zero" is a philosophy of transportation system design and operations that asserts:1. Safety is the most important factor in transportation planning;2. Traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable and, therefore, unacceptable;3. Transportation systems should be designed so that user errors are not fatal.When these three statements comprise the foundation of the transportation planning process, there are fewer traffic crashes, and fewer deaths and serious injuries of pedestrians, motorists, and all other types of road users. The success of Vision Zero to save lives has been demonstrated in cities across the United States and throughout the world.Our first recommendation to the City Council is to adopt a Vision Zero policy. This will establish a framework for the other fifteen recommendations, based on the "Three Es" --? Education, Enforcement, and Engineering. Each recommendation is supported with detailed background information, a reasonable timeline for implementation, and a viable funding strategy.To underscore the urgency of these recommendations, we draw attention to a very recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association [1], projecting that 2015 data on pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. will show a 10% spike over 2014. As we finalize this report, we note with sadness the death of yet another pedestrian in Columbia, struck by a bus on March 7th, 2016.Ian Thomas, Task Force Co-Chair and Ward 4 City Councilmember Clyde Ruffin, Task Force Co-Chair and Ward 1 City Councilmember March 25th, 2016The full Committee Report (download-PDF format) is an excellent summary of Vision Zero, what it is, how to implement it, and why reasons communities should adopt a Vision Zero policy.Find out more about Vision Zero and how to implement Vision Zero in your Missouri community, on MoBikeFed's Vision Zero page. Working to improve safety for all road users is one of the four major goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. Vision Zero - with its proven methodology for moving to ZERO road fatalities--clearly fits perfectly with our Vision in this area.Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps turn our Vision into reality!
Link:
Columbia Mayors Task Force on Pedestrian Safety issues final report; recommends Vision Zero approach
File:
http://mobikefed.org/sites/default/files/columbia-mayors-pedestrian-safety-task-force-final-report-and-recommendations-vision-zero-2016-03-25.pdf
ALERT: ATVs on Katy Trail Bill Passed by First Committee
| | No Comments
Last week the bill to allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail passed its first hurdle--an 8-3 committee vote in favor of the proposal. Do we want wide, fast, noisy, motorized vehicles with big, aggressive tires on Missouri's Katy Trail?Now the bill moves to a second committee--and our second chance to stop this ill-conceived bill.The committee amended the bill slightly, but the amendments do not solve the underlying problem of the bill--allowing motorized vehicles on the Katy Trail, which was never designed for such use--and to a degree the amendments even make the bill worse.Please contact your legislators and House Agriculture Committee members now (again!) and ask them to oppose HB 2047Even if you have contacted your Missouri state legislators before about this bill, please contact them again now--along with Committee Leadership of the House Select Committee on Agriculture, which will hear the bill next:FULL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVOCACY ALERT FOR CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP HERE.Please join us in Jefferson City for the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th. We'll be talking about this bill and other key issues such as the 15 foot bicycle flag bill, the proposed bicycle ban and several positive bills, including bans on texting while driving, increased penalties for dangerous drivers who injure and kill, and safe passing of bicyclists.As we said when this bill was first released: It is time for Katy Trail supporters to speak up. Allowing motor vehicles, like ATVs, "utility vehicles," and golf carts, on the trail is a very bad idea.Full details about the bill and the reasons for opposing it--updated to reflect the changes made in HB 2047 by the Committee Amendment--are on our Advocacy Alert page for HB 2047.What are the amendments to HB 2047? Was it changed for better or worse in committee?Before passing out of Committee, HB 2047 was amended in three important ways: "Utility Vehicles" and golf carts are now allowed--rather than ATVs & Golf Carts. This is a minor wording change for public relations purposes more than anything. "Utility vehicles" as defined in the bill are 4-6 wheeled vehicles weighing up to 2000 pounds and up to 600cc engine size. An ATV weighs up to 1500 pounds, has 3 or more wheels, and no restriction on engine size. The type of "utility vehicle" defined in the bill is what most people would call an ATV.Katy trail will be open to motor vehicles every Wednesday rather than just 2X per month. This doubles the problem with the bill.The "Motor the Katy Trail" opportunity will be open to anyone 60 and older or with a disability, rather than the previous 55 or older. The same objection we registered to the 55 and older definition still holds true: People aged 60 and older are definitely not automatically disabled. In fact, people in this age group are among the most frequent users of the trail in it current nonmotorized form.Full text of the bill and amendmentFull text versions of the bill on the Missouri House web site:Full text of the bill as introduced is here (HB 2047 - 2016 legislative session). Text of House Committee amendment as passed. Compare the original bill text and amendment to see how the final version as passed by the House Committee will read.Note that bill text may be changed via amendment as the session proceeds. Follow HB 2047 progress throughout the session here.Please contact your legislators AND join us for Bicycle & Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th, 2016FULL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVOCACY ALERT FOR CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP HERE.Please join us in Jefferson City for the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th. We'll be talking about this bill and other key issues such as the 15 foot bicycle flag bill, the proposed bicycle ban and several positive bills, including bans on texting while driving, increased penalties for dangerous drivers who injure and kill, and safe passing of bicyclists. Creating a world-class bicycle, pedestrian, and trails transportation system across Missouri is one of the four primary goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. Defending that system once it is in place--as we are doing by opposing the ATV/Katy Trail bill--is an important part of making that Vision a reality.Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps turn our Vision into reality!
Link:
ALERT: ATVs on Katy Trail Bill passed by first Committee; Your voice in opposition needed again
Vision Zero: What Is It and How Can It Eliminate Traffic Fatalities?
| | No Comments
Vision Zero is a powerful and successful initiative that is gaining momentum across the U.S. Vision Zero concentrates on systemic solutions that inevitably lead to fewer traffic fatalities--like lower traffic speeds in populated areasVision Zero advocates across the world--and now across the U.S.--have developed the tools and techniques needed to actually eliminate traffic fatalities.What is Vision Zero? How do you implement it in your community? The Vision Zero Network has provided a nine-point summary:1) Political CommitmentHighest-ranking local officials —Mayor, City Council, City Manager — make official and public commitment toward a Vision Zero goal to achieve zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users (including people walking, biking, using transit, and driving) within a set timeframe. This should include passage of a local policy laying out goals, timeline, stakeholders, and a commitment to community engagement, transparency, and equitable outcomes.2) Multi-Disciplinary Leadership Vision Zero Network An official city Vision Zero Taskforce (or Leadership Committee) is created and charged with leading the planning effort for Vision Zero. The Taskforce should include, at a minimum, high-ranking representatives from the following local departments: Office of the Mayor, Police, Transportation (or equivalent), and Public Health. Other departments to involve include Planning, Fire, Emergency Services, Public Works, District Attorney, Office of Senior Services, Disability, and the School District.3) Action PlanA Vision Zero Action Plan (or Strategy) is created within one year of initial commitment. The Action Plan is implemented with clear strategies, “owners” of each strategy, interim targets, timelines, and performance measures.4) EquityCity stakeholders commit to both an equitable approach to Vision Zero by establishing inclusive and representative processes, as well as to equitable outcomes by ensuring measurable benchmarks to provide safe transportation options for all road users in all parts of the city.5) Cooperation and CollaborationA commitment is made to encourage meaningful cooperation and collaboration among relevant governmental agencies and community stakeholders to establish a framework for multiple stakeholders to set shared goals and focus on coordination and accountability.6) Systems-Based ApproachCity leaders commit to and prioritize a systems-based approach to Vision Zero — focusing on the built environment, systems, and policies that influence behavior — as well as adopting messaging that emphasizes that these traffic losses are preventable.7) Data-DrivenCity stakeholders leading Vision Zero efforts commit to gather, analyze, utilize, and share reliable data to understand traffic safety issues and prioritize resources based on evidence of the greatest needs and impact.8) Community EngagementOpportunities are created to invite meaningful community engagement, such as select community representation on the Taskforce, broader community input through public meetings or workshops, online surveys, and other feedback opportunities.9) TransparencyThe city’s process is transparent to city stakeholders and the community, including regular updates on the progress on the Action Plan and performance measures, and a yearly report (at minimum) to the local governing board (e.g., City Council).Vision Zero has dramatically reduced traffic fatalities and injuries in the communities that have thoroughly implemented it. It's time to start implementing this powerful and effective program in Missouri now.Columbia, Missouri--led by the PedNet Coalition, the local bicycle & pedestrian advocacy group there--is moving rapidly to implement Vision Zero. We would like to see many other Missouri communities move to adopt Vision Zero as well.Please take a look at the Vision Zero Network page to find out more.
Link:
Vision Zero: What is it; how can it eliminate traffic fatalities?
How Many Missourians Walk, Run, Bicycle, Use Trails? A LOT
| | No Comments
When we mention to Missouri elected officials and staff that millions of Missourians walk, run, bicycle, and use trails regularly, we often see a look of disbelief. Really--millions?The Missouri Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCO...
ATVs on the Katy Trail — Over $40 Million in Additional Costs to State Parks
| | No Comments
Rep. Jay Houghton of Martinsburg has introduced HB 2047, a bill to allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail two days per month. Last week we issued an Advocacy Alert asking trail supporters in Missouri to contact their elected officials to oppose this poorly thought out plan and Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation President Rachel Ruhlen testified against allowing ATVs on the Katy Trail at the hearing on the bill in Jefferson City. The Oversight Division at the Office of Legislative Research for the Missouri General Assembly has released the fiscal note for the ATVs on the Katy Trail bill--and it's not good at all. Do we want ATVs on Missouri's Katy Trail?The existing width of the trail is not sufficient for two ATV/golf carts to pass each other on the trail safely. Therefore, the trail width would have to be increased to over 14' wide, including shoulders, to accommodate two-way traffic. So the cost for a new base, ballast and surface, if contracted out, would be about $168,000 per mile for the 40 miles. This does not include what it would cost to modify our bridge decks.$168,000 per mile X 240 miles is approximately $40 million. That doesn't include the cost of widening numerous bridge decks, and only allows a 6 inch shoulder--not really enough.And that is just the start of the expenses that the bill to allow ATVs on the Katy Trail would cause. State Park is estimating it will require an addition four rangers to monitor the trail, replacement of 50 squeeze gates (currently designed specifically to keep ATVs and similar vehicles out of the trail), $100 per mile in additional trail upkeep annual, and far more.Please read the full document for full details--this might be the first article in the history of Legislative Oversight that is actually an enjoyable read. If you are interested in this issue, the document really analyzes all the ramfications in deatils.And if you haven't already--please do contact your own Missouri state representative and ask him or her to support bicycling, support walking, support trails, and oppose this ill-conceived proposal. Join us for Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol and the Legislators Bicycle Ride in Jefferson City on Monday, April 11th, 2016--we'll be visiting with our Missouri state senators and represenatives about issues like this, the proposed bicycle ban, the safe passing of bicyclists and pedestrians proposal, and more. Working to create a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri, protecting the system we have, and improving safety for those who walk and bicycle are among the top priorities of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri.Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps our Vision become reality--and helps us defend Missouri trails at the state capitol and in Congress.
Link:
ATVs on the Katy Trail--over $40 million in additional costs to State Parks
ATVs on the Katy Trail?
| | No Comments
Rep. Jay Houghton of Martinsburg has introduced HB 2047, a bill to allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail two days per month. Yesterday we issued an Advocacy Alert asking trail supporters in Missouri to contact their elected officials to oppose this poorly thought out plan. Monday in Jefferson City, Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation President Rachel Ruhlen testified against allowing ATVs on the Katy Trail. After the hearing, Ruhlen wrote the following to express her feelings about the Katy Trail and this important issue: Rachel visiting with Rep. Bart Korman, sponsor of the bill to ban cyclists from many Missouri highways. Monday, Rachel was one of the few who testified against HB 2074 in Committee that sees the bill in a very favorable light. Have you walked or bicycled on the Katy Trail? Metallic blue indigo buntings and yellow finches dart in front of you. The tunnel of trees shades you from the hot sun. The river flows nearby, and little streams nearby gurgle happily. It is peaceful and happy, until you hear a loud motor. The sound gets louder and before you've figured out where it's coming from, an ATV zooms past you, hogging the trail and raising a cloud of dust and fumes. You lose your balance and land in the ditch.Oh, has that never happened to you? That's because ATVs are not allowed on the Katy Trail State Park, a 240-mile rail to trail conversion stretching across Missouri—still the nation’s longest rail-trail.HB2047, introduced by Missouri State Representative Jay Houghton of Martinsburg, would allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month for people 55 and older and people with disabilities. People with disabilities already may use motorized mobility devices on the Katy Trail (including, on a case-by-case basis, golf carts). But age alone is not a disability. When I'm on the Katy Trail, many if not most other users are over 55 years old. They are walking and bicycling, and they love it. And for people who want to enjoy the Katy Trail without walking or bicycling, State Parks already operates a tram service out of Booneville.The Katy Trail is a Missouri treasure. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people walk or bicycle on the Katy Trail. They come from down the street, they come from all over Missouri, all over the nation, even all over the world. They like to walk and bicycle on the Katy Trail because they don't have to worry about traffic. For many, the Katy Trail is the only place around here that they can bicycle--they are scared to bicycle on roads. Adding ATVs to the mix would mean those people wouldn't bike at all. Allowing ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail will cost money. The Katy Trail was designed for walking and bicycling. It is 8 to 10 feet wide--not wide enough for ATVs and golf carts to safely pass people walking and bicycling. To allow ATVs and golf carts to safely intermix with people who walk and bicycle, we will have to reconstruct the Katy Trail. ATVs tear up trails, so trail maintenance will increase. The additional traffic will require additional rangers to patrol--making sure that the ATV users are 55 and older or disabled, that they don't go off trail into private farms and fields, and that they obey the speed limit. Do we want ATVs on Missouri's Katy Trail?Besides ruining the peace and serenity of the Katy Trail, what will be the economic impact of the bill? The Katy Trail adds $18 million dollars annually to the economy of trail communities. Every $1 spent on the Katy Trail brings in $18 dollars in return. But people visit the Katy Trail and value it precisely because it is quiet, peaceful, and away from motorized traffic. The trail is a chance to reconnect with nature and find some solitude. A disruption to tourism will put many bed & breakfasts and cafes that cater to trail users out of business. There are legal implications for this too, which could be complex and costly. Creation of the Katy Trail was itself a tortuous legal battle that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The resulting agreement compensated adjacent landowners for conversion of the corridor from a railroad to use as a nonmotorized trail. These agreements, and potentially millions of dollars of additional compensation, will be at risk if we change the nature of the trail.I want everyone to be able to enjoy the Katy Trail. Some can bicycle, some can walk--and those who can’t bicycle or walk are already allowed to use mobility devices on the Katy Trail.Please contact your state representatives and senators and tell them that you love the Katy Trail without ATVs.Plan to join us for Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th, 2016 to discuss this and other issues with our state legislators.Rachel Ruhlen is the president of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation. Working to create a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri, protecting the system we have, and improving safety for those who walk and bicycle are among the top priorities of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri.Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps our Vision become reality--and helps us defend Missouri trails at the state capitol and in Congress.
Link:
MoBikeFed President's Editorial: ATVs on the Katy Trail?
Bicycle & Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11
| | No Comments
Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City is set for Monday, April 11th, 2016. Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City - April 11th, 2016Please save the date and plan to attend. Registration will be opening s...
Charges Against Sunset Hills Mayor Who Struck Cyclist Dropped
| | No Comments
In another startling development in the case of Sunset HIlls Mayor Mark Furrer, charged with intentionally striking cyclist Randy Murdick with his vehicle, then fleeing the scene, the St. Louis County prosecutor announced yesterday that charges against Furrer are being dropped. Murdick's lawyer announced that the civil case against Furrer was also simultaneously droppedThe Webster-Kirkwood Times gives the background on the case: Randy MurdickFurrer had been charged with felonies of assault and property damage stemming from a confrontation with cyclist Randy Murdick along Old Gravois Road on July 29, 2014. Murdick testified that after the two exchanged profanities, the mayor intentionally swerved his convertible Mercedes-Benz into him, knocking him off his bike and badly damaging his $12,000 racing bicycle.The St. Louis Post-Dispatch summarizes the reasons the case was dropped:St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch said Wednesday that the victim in the crash “significantly embellished” his testimony at a trial last month, dealing a fatal blow to the case. . . .Asked about the embellishments in a news conference Wednesday afternoon, McCulloch mentioned Murdick’s claims about the extent of damage to his bicycle, as well as his claim that he was unable to ride it after the crash.McCulloch said the “real tragedy” was that the embellishments were not about facts material to the case. He said that he believes the two independent witnesses who said that Furrer “turned into (Murdick) intentionally, intending to cause physical injury.”The Times quotes McCulloch:"The testimony of the two independent witnesses was unassailable and made it abundantly clear that the defendant did, in fact, turn his vehicle into the victim causing physical injury to the victim and damage to his bike," McCulloch said at Wednesday's press conference. . . . "The charges against Furrer are well-founded by the independent witnesses, but the victim has no credibility so I couldn't put him back on the stand. The real tragedy is the embellishment."This is a very disappointing development in this case. As McCulloch makes very clear, testimony from several credible independent witnesses all showed that Furrer deliberately struck Murdick, then sped away.We thank the police and prosecutors in this case for taking the incident seriously, for investigating it thoroughly, and for bringing appropriate charges given the severity of the action. We thank the many cyclists and bicycle organizations, and many staff and elected officials in the city of Sunset Hills, who have helped to turn this situation to a positive by using the opportunity to educate the public and about making our roads safer for everyone and making Sunset Hills and the region a better place for bicycling.In related news. Furrer has announced that he is not seeking re-election as mayor of Sunset Hills.Previously:St Louis area cyclist threatened, hit, and run off the road by Sunset Hills MayorWitnesses confirm that Sunset Hills Mayor deliberately struck cyclist | The CallListen to 911 tapes as Mayor hits cyclist Randy Murdick then flees the sceneSunset Hills Mayor who struck cyclist & fled scene had previous police run-ins; Charges may be filed soonSunset Hills Mayor charged with felony assault for striking cyclist Randy Murdick, fleeing sceneSunset Hills meeting Dec 9th to approve process to impeach Mayor who threatened, struck cyclistMoBikeFed asks supporters to sign a petition: Sunset Hills should become a Bicycle Friendly City (the petition with hundreds of signatures was delivered to city leaders later that year)Trial of Sunset Hills Mayor; Witness: "Mayor 'attacked the bicycle rider' then 'floored it and took off'
Link:
Charges against Sunset Hills Mayor who struck cyclist dropped
2016 Legislative Session: Bills Affecting Bicycling, Walking, and Trails
| | No Comments
We are just in the third week of Missouri's 2016 Capitol Day in Jefferson City is April 11th - please join us! legislative session, and already we have seen a number of bills introduced that are important to people in Missouri who walk, bicycle, and us...