Last week the bill to allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail passed its first hurdle--an 8-3 committee vote in favor of the proposal. Do we want wide, fast, noisy, motorized vehicles with big, aggressive tires on Missouri's Katy Trail?Now the bill moves to a second committee--and our second chance to stop this ill-conceived bill.The committee amended the bill slightly, but the amendments do not solve the underlying problem of the bill--allowing motorized vehicles on the Katy Trail, which was never designed for such use--and to a degree the amendments even make the bill worse.Please contact your legislators and House Agriculture Committee members now (again!) and ask them to oppose HB 2047Even if you have contacted your Missouri state legislators before about this bill, please contact them again now--along with Committee Leadership of the House Select Committee on Agriculture, which will hear the bill next:FULL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVOCACY ALERT FOR CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP HERE.Please join us in Jefferson City for the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th. We'll be talking about this bill and other key issues such as the 15 foot bicycle flag bill, the proposed bicycle ban and several positive bills, including bans on texting while driving, increased penalties for dangerous drivers who injure and kill, and safe passing of bicyclists.As we said when this bill was first released: It is time for Katy Trail supporters to speak up.  Allowing motor vehicles, like ATVs, "utility vehicles," and golf carts, on the trail is a very bad idea.Full details about the bill and the reasons for opposing it--updated to reflect the changes made in HB 2047 by the Committee Amendment--are on our Advocacy Alert page for HB 2047.What are the amendments to HB 2047? Was it changed for better or worse in committee?Before passing out of Committee, HB 2047 was amended in three important ways: "Utility Vehicles" and golf carts are now allowed--rather than ATVs & Golf Carts. This is a minor wording change for public relations purposes more than anything. "Utility vehicles" as defined in the bill are 4-6 wheeled vehicles weighing up to 2000 pounds and up to 600cc engine size.  An ATV weighs up to 1500 pounds, has 3 or more wheels, and no restriction on engine size. The type of "utility vehicle" defined in the bill is what most people would call an ATV.Katy trail will be open to motor vehicles every Wednesday rather than just 2X per month.  This doubles the problem with the bill.The "Motor the Katy Trail" opportunity will be open to anyone 60 and older or with a disability, rather than the previous 55 or older.  The same objection we registered to the 55 and older definition still holds true: People aged 60 and older are definitely not automatically disabled.  In fact, people in this age group are among the most frequent users of the trail in it current nonmotorized form.Full text of the bill and amendmentFull text versions of the bill on the Missouri House web site:Full text of the bill as introduced is here (HB 2047 - 2016 legislative session). Text of House Committee amendment as passed. Compare the original bill text and amendment to see how the final version as passed by the House Committee will read.Note that bill text may be changed via amendment as the session proceeds. Follow HB 2047 progress throughout the session here.Please contact your legislators AND join us for Bicycle & Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th, 2016FULL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVOCACY ALERT FOR CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP HERE.Please join us in Jefferson City for the 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the Capitol April 11th. We'll be talking about this bill and other key issues such as the 15 foot bicycle flag bill, the proposed bicycle ban and several positive bills, including bans on texting while driving, increased penalties for dangerous drivers who injure and kill, and safe passing of bicyclists. Creating a world-class bicycle, pedestrian, and trails transportation system across Missouri is one of the four primary goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. Defending that system once it is in place--as we are doing by opposing the ATV/Katy Trail bill--is an important part of making that Vision a reality.Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps turn our Vision into reality! Link:  ALERT: ATVs on Katy Trail Bill passed by first Committee; Your voice in opposition needed again