Critterpace

Got my first ever summons for jury duty and thought of riding to the courthouse instead of driving (court doesn't provide parking and besides I live near the Plaza so communiting would be easy). Any KC bike commuters know of good, safe bike parking near the courthouse?

Roody

Why would you have a problem parking? They probably have a rack near the entrance, or a railing you can lock to. Lock by the front door where the security guards hang out. A lot of people ride to courthouses. I really don't think it's such a big thing you need to worry about.

I have a word of advice. If they search you before entry, they might hassle you about your bike tools. They might even make you put them outside with your bike. So you might want to leave the tools at home and hope for no problems, or at most take a tube and a mini pump.

ax0n

This is the giant Federal Courthouse at like 8th and Oak?

Coming up from the plaza won't be too bad. What time do you need to be there? After 8:30 or so, Main isn't terrible. I can tell you, you'll want to get over onto oak or grand around 12th, and continue north, you don't even want to try to tackle the east-bound hill up to oak from main. It will eat you alive.

ollo_ollo

When parking is scarce or non-existent, a bike commute is the way to go.

ax0n

FYI, you might also consider the MAX if you can't find a good route or for some other reason can't justify biking some day. It drives right past the courthouse, and has a few stops near the Plaza.

Critterpace

Thanks. I'm considering The Max as a backup, but wanted to try biking first because I can't ride my bike to work (I unfortunately need a car for work and have no place to park it overnight at work). I wish I was going to the federal courthouse, but alas, the summons is to the Jackson County Courthouse.

I use the Hospital Hill route (https://www.hospitalhillrun.com/TheRace/themap.asp) as part of training rides, so I am familiar with the hills between the Plaza and Downtown. I will probably make some dry runs over the weekend just to see if there are bike racks at the courthouse. I also need to get riding more.

ax0n

I haven't been to the jackson county courthouse. I live on Blow-Lathe and ride my bike to the Johnson County bus. I know some of downtown but not a whole lot.