Thousands of biking enthusiasts come along the Katy Trail, look at the nation's most beautiful state Capitol Building from a half mile away, and . . . keep peddling because there is no safe access across the bridge. Compare this situation with other venues like Hermann that enjoy considerable tourist traffic on account of the new bridge that has a wide protected bike/pedestrian lane. It's integral to their promotional efforts.
David DeSimone and Nick George are cycling from Florida to Oregon. Friends called ahead and asked for lodging and we were glad to provide a hot shower and BBQ. Their effort is named Biking For Balance. We had a chance to visit after dinner when they arrived earlier this week. They're both engineering doctoral students.
What's "wrong with this picture" is that we had to pick them up across the river and haul them into Jefferson City.Their visit reminded us of the need to complete the access now being designed. It's more than just a fun amenity. It's tourism dollars and image -- a long term investment that will pay for itself many times over. Thanks to the Missouri State Parks Foundation, our own Parks Department, MODOT and others, we are very close.
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