Based on the article, it seems that Wichita is quite a bit further down the planning path but there seems to be s0me momentum in Topeka and a focus on changing transportation habits from driving to cycling.

I think WAMPO has done a great job developing plans and asking for public input. It is up to the politicians to fund the plans, however, which means YOU need to tell the elected officials and City Manager that bicycle pathways need to be a priority.

One thing we want to do IN ADVANCE of Bike to Work Day is conduct some rides from the Oldtown/Downtown core to different parts of the city (and even into Derby). If you are willing to lead a group or want to ride along, please contact John Thompson (558-5158, John.Thompson@Start-Thinking.com, Twitter: @thompsonline).

Here is some tentative information on the rides. Stay in tune with this website, the Facebook Group and Twitter (@BikeWichita and hashtag: #BikeWichta) to get more details on the group rides and other events as information becomes available.

TENTATIVE: On May 18th (date tentative) plan on a Commuter Bike Route Discovery Tour (name tentative) with your choice of rides on one of 5 primary routes (number tentative) led by experienced Commuter Bike Guides (title tentative). The Bike Guide(s) on your chosen route will point out route options, obstacles and solutions as we take a 30 to 45-minute ride from a common starting point at the Downtown YMCA (location tentative) to a turnaround point on the edge of town. Riders can then proceed to their homes or return to the Downtown YMCA – possibly on an alternative route that differs slightly from the outboundleg of the ride.

A lot of people have joined Facebook in the last year. It should be easy to share when and where people are riding – on all days, not just Bike to Work Day. Please tell your friends about the group and encourage them to join us.

Ride safe!

On Twitter:
-Connect with others.
-See updates on upcoming events.
-Tweet your location.
-Use the hashtag #BikeWichita.

On Facebook:
-Meet up with other riders on the Discussion Board. Find a group to commute with or plan a lunch time or after work ride.
-Post pictures of your sweet bike under Photos.
-Send Event Invites to your friends.
-Tell us exactly what your thinking by posting something on The Wall.
-Get involved and help make Bike to Work day a success in Wichita.

Be sure to also check out The League of American Bicyclist page.

Your business can help by:

Help organize a lunch time or after work ride from your business.
Be sure to post your ride on bikewichita.com
Use veloroutes.org to plot and share your route.  

Help organize a meeting place and time for riders to ride together to work.
Be sure to post your meeting bikewichita.com 

Post flyers promoting Bike to Work day and additional events.
Be sure to include your logo along the bottom of the flyer.

Other things you can do to help:
Create your own event.
Share information about bicycle safety.
Add the phrasing “Don’t forget the Bike to Work Friday, May 15″ and/ bikewichita.com to advertisements.