Catalyst Communication Launching BikeLife Cities Program in Kansas City

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'BikeLife Kansas City represents a great new way of getting the word out around the metro area about regional progress toward integrating cycling into the fabric of our community,' stated Sarah Shipley, marketing director at BikeWalkKC.

Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) April 15, 2014

Catalyst Communication, a leader in communications for the cycling and outdoor industries, is launching a unique marketing program to help bike-friendly cities promote local and inspirational cycling information to a broader audience—people who would like to ride more often and many who are just starting to bike. The promotion, called BikeLife Cities, will include a custom-designed full-color magazine to be mailed to all or a targeted portion of a city's residents, along with an interactive website, social media platform and email marketing campaign.

BikeLife Cities is partnering with three cities that have been designated Bicycle Friendly Communities by the League of American Bicyclists: Boulder (platinum), Tucson (gold) and Kansas City (bronze). The program is launching in May 2014.

Kansas City has been making big strides to becoming a more bike friendly community. Last year, bike commuting jumped 42%, compared with just a 10% increase nationwide.

In 2012, Kansas City was ranked 49th out of the 70 most populous U.S. cities for bike commuting.

Today, the city continues to implement livable streets and green infrastructure policies when designing and constructing roadway projects and new development. City staff view BikeLife Cities as a good opportunity and partnership to get the word out about cycling around KCMO to a broad audience.

“We want to share information with more residents about new bikeways being added throughout the city,” said Deb Ridgway, bicycle pedestrian coordinator for the city. “Cities are investing in better bike infrastructure, Bike Life KC is an excellent opportunity to market those facilities and encourage more people riding.”

“BikeLife Kansas City represents a great new way of getting the word out around the metro area about regional progress toward integrating cycling into the fabric of our community,” stated Sarah Shipley, marketing director at BikeWalkKC, a regional bike advocacy group.

BikeLife Kansas City will be mailed twice in 2014 to nearly 40,000 homes in targeted areas, simultaneous with the launch of an interactive website, BikeLifeKC.com, social media channels and email newsletter, which will run throughout the year. Print and online content will include features on women and families that ride, safe places to bike, and will include local maps, events and places to shop for gear and services. The first edition is scheduled to arrive in mailboxes in May, with the second mailed in early August.

“Our goal is to reach a new audience with safe ways to enjoy cycling,” said Lynn Guissinger, president of Catalyst. “Both cities and the cycling industry have been asking how we market cycling to people who could ride bikes more, buy more and support cycling more if they had more information on safe ways to ride. No other program works to get local information to residents and cyclists who wouldn’t otherwise seek it out.”

For more information, please contact Lynn Guissinger at lynn(at)catacom(dot)com or 303-444-5545, x106 or Becca Heaton at beccalynn(at)catacom(dot)com or 303-444-5545, x113.

About Catalyst Communication
Catalyst Communication has 30 years’ experience in the bicycling industry producing marketing guides with editorial and advertising content for bicycle retailers and suppliers. Under the leadership of its late founder, Leslie Bohm, it has been a leader in bicycle advocacy, as a founder of Bikes Belong (People for Bikes) and a long-time activist with the League of American Bicyclists and other advocacy organizations.

About BikeWalkKC
BikeWalkKC is the unified voice for active living, promoting a healthy, safe and accessible outdoor experience for all in a vibrant, engaged community. BikeWalkKC is a member-supported organization that works to make Greater Kansas City a safer and more accessible place to walk, bicycle, live, work, and play. The advocacy programs work with local cities to improve policies and build sidewalks, trails, crosswalks, bike lanes, and more. BikeWalkKC's education programs give people the knowledge and skills to walk and to bicycle safely and confidently for transportation, recreation, and fitness. Learn more at BikeWalkKC.org.

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