Long ago on independence square (motel, lawyer, camps)

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

I would think the fireworks (pro and amateur) would keep them up!

Have a glorious Fourth, everyone!

Ha Good point, MSE

Happy 4th to you also Probably quite the fireworks display in your area

[Mad Anthonie]

Happy Independence Day!

And greetings to all fans of old Independence. Sorry I've been busy with RL.

I sometimes wonder if TPTB forget to factor in a bit of common sense when drawing up their grand plans. Perhaps they should consult the common folk. If I wanted to bicycle across the SW portion of Independence I would not choose US 40 as my route. Instead I would favor the much quieter Blue Ridge Boulevard, which has a mostly gentle slope, more shade, and much less traffic. If I desired refreshment or other goods from a merchant along the highway I would choose the nearest connecting residential street to reach it in order to minimize my time along the highway.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by CatHerder

Maybe I'm unobservant but as a bicyclist, I haven't encountered any evidence of progress on this plan so far. Having trouble picturing bicycling on 40 Hwy. Can't imagine why I'd want to.

But any kind of progress on trails would be good. Independence is not the easiest place for bicyclists, or walkers, for that matter. We mostly stick to the trails like Little Blue Trace and Rock Island. Almost everyone else I see road bicycling appears to be homeless.

(Speaking of which, there are camps tucked away everywhere. We've startled tent campers more than once when walking the trail in the wooded area of Santa Fe Park and have spotted camps in wooded areas bordering businesses and apartments.)

Especially now that we have pedal-assist bikes I would not use these proposed trails to visit a business or anywhere else I'd have to leave my bike outside, even with a heavy-duty lock. There's a good chance it would be stolen.

Anyway, thanks for sharing this report MRG. I'm intrigued and am going to look into it further.

I looked up "pedal-assisted" bikes. How nice to have had those in our old 'hood. Hills along Norfleet and 51st, and a bit too much distance, kept us from biking/walking to The Mall, downtown Raytown, Cool Crest, Raytown Swim Club.

[dmouse]

You are too kind in your description. Most of those folks who "camp" in Santa Fe Park are vagrants, trespassers and law breakers. I can't begin to tell you how many times the police have had to come run them out of there.

[CatHerder]

I went to all of those, though not necessarily by bike. And the Malt Shop at 51st & Blue Ridge. The lack of sidewalks or shoulders along the roads was a major problem.

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

I looked up "pedal-assisted" bikes. How nice to have had those in our old 'hood. Hills along Norfleet and 51st, and a bit too much distance, kept us from biking/walking to The Mall, downtown Raytown, Cool Crest, Raytown Swim Club.

[CatHerder]

Oh yes, definitely vagrants. Skeevy looking. We beat a hasty retreat.

They seem to be every place that's even semi-forested around here. I used to hang out under Indep. railroad bridges as a kid, either alone or with friends, and that's no longer safe because of the homeless camps. I resent that I can't walk wooded hiking trails alone for this reason. They also show up in our yard and even at our front door. At least some are coming from the motels along Noland Rd. near I-70.

Originally Posted by dmouse

You are too kind in your description. Most of those folks who "camp" in Santa Fe Park are vagrants, trespassers and law breakers. I can't begin to tell you how many times the police have had to come run them out of there.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by CatHerder

I went to all of those, though not necessarily by bike. And the Malt Shop at 51st & Blue Ridge. The lack of sidewalks or shoulders along the roads was a major problem.

Ah, yes, Medlin's Malt Shop Ronnie Medlin was a classmate at RJH and Mizzou

[dmouse]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

Ah, yes, Medlin's Malt Shop Ronnie Medlin was a classmate at RJH and Mizzou

Ahhhhhh.......Medlins Malt Shop...........CHOCOLATE MALTS...............

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by dmouse

Ahhhhhh.......Medlins Malt Shop...........CHOCOLATE MALTS...............

And those plastic bags filled with little ice cream cups with the little wooden spoons

A product of Adams Dairy as I recollect

[dmouse]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

And those plastic bags filled with little ice cream cups with the little wooden spoons

A product of Adams Dairy as I recollect