Why This State Is Fighting To Get Its First ‘Active Transportation Plan’

Key Takeaways

• Missouri lacks any statewide active transportation plan
• Vulnerable road user deaths hit 15% of traffic fatalities
• Federal rule forces MoDOT to allocate 15% safety funds
• Proposed ATP could cost under $500,000
• Kansas model shows detailed actions for $481k plan

Pulse Analysis

Across the United States, statewide active transportation plans have become a cornerstone for integrating walking and cycling into broader mobility strategies. States such as Texas, Kansas, and Hawaii have already codified these frameworks, providing clear benchmarks for safety improvements, funding allocations, and cross‑agency coordination. Missouri’s absence of such a document stands out, especially given that nearly one‑third of its residents lack a driver’s license, creating a pressing demand for safe, non‑automotive travel options.

The safety stakes are stark: vulnerable‑road‑user fatalities now represent more than 15 percent of Missouri’s traffic deaths, triggering a federal requirement that 15 percent of Highway Safety Improvement funds be earmarked for pedestrian and cyclist protection. Compared with the $2.8 billion I‑70 expansion, the projected cost of an active transportation plan—under $500,000—offers a high‑impact, low‑cost investment. By establishing data‑driven targets and policy levers, the plan could channel existing safety dollars more efficiently, reducing fatalities while supporting the state’s multimodal goals.

Politically, the campaign led by Missourians for Responsible Transportation has rallied nearly a hundred organizations and is pushing for public comment during MoDOT’s Long‑Range Transportation Plan update. Early signals from MoDOT officials suggest openness to tools such as an online portal and a toolkit for local jurisdictions, mirroring Kansas’s successful guide for small communities. If adopted, Missouri’s plan could serve as a rural‑focused prototype, demonstrating how decentralized districts can align under a unified safety vision and potentially inspire neighboring states to follow suit.