Our Safe Public Spaces Mentoring Program mentee BikeWalkKC has been working hard to pass an anti-harassment ordinance in Kansas City. It just passed last night. From Sarah Shipley:

“Ordinance 140777 is a success, with a unanimous vote from the city council. During the process to pass it, we found an ally in the ACLU, rekindled a relationship with our local ADA advocacy organization, and really solidified our relationship with council members at city hall. It has quite frankly been an amazing experience….

Also, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is voting on a very similar ordinance tonight, and Kansas City, Kansas, will consider this in November!”

Congratulations to them on their hard work.

Here is the text for the ordinance:

140777 (Sub.)Amending Chapter 50, Article VI, Offenses Against Public Safety, by enacting a new Section 50-205 which will prohibit certain acts against bicyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair operators.

SECOND COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR ORDINANCE NO. 140777, AS AMENDED

Amending Chapter 50, Article VI, Offenses Against Public Safety, by enacting a new Section 50-205 which will prohibit certain acts against bicyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair operators.

WHEREAS, Kansas City wants to encourage modes of transportation other than motor vehicles; and

WHEREAS, it is desirable to create a healthy, safe environment in Kansas City for all people; and

WHEREAS, harassment of bicyclists, pedestrians (including those walking with a guide dog or a white cane), and wheelchair operators increases the hazards already posed to these persons operating on our City streets; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That Chapter 50, Article VI, Offenses Against Public Safety, is hereby amended by enacting a new Section 50-205, Harassment of a Bicyclist, Pedestrian or Wheelchair Operator, to read as follows:

Sec. 50-205. Harassment of a Bicyclist, Pedestrian or Wheelchair Operator

(a)    The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them below, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Bicycle means any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains, or gears, and may include an electric assist motor, and has wheels at least 16 inches in diameter and a frame size of at least 13 inches.

Wheelchair means any manual or motorized device designed specifically for use by a person with a physical disability for means of conveyance.

(b)   No person shall, for the purpose of intimidating or injuring any person riding a bicycle, walking, running, or operating a wheelchair or for the purpose of intimidating or injuring such person’s service animal:

(1)               Throw an object, direct a projectile, or operate a vehicle at or in such person’s direction or at or in the direction of such person’s service animal; or

(2)               Threaten such person; or

(3)               Sound a horn, shout or otherwise direct loud or unusual sounds toward such person or toward such person’s service animal; or

(4)               Place such person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; or

(5)               Engage in conduct that creates a risk of death or serious physical injury to such person or such person’s service animal.

(c)    Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be punished for that violation by a fine of not less than $50.00, but not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment of not more than 180 days or by both such fine and imprisonment.