Kansas City Responds to Illegal Street Racing and Sideshows
Kansas City is buzzing with more than just excitement this fall. For years now, residents have been dealing with the illegal street racing and chaotic sideshows that have taken to our streets, especially around downtown intersections. The local government is finally putting its foot down by introducing a tighter set of rules aimed at curbing these dangerous activities.
The New Ordinance
Just last month, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council voted to pass an ordinance that significantly ups the stakes for those participating in these illegal events. Starting from mid-September, any drivers caught engaging in street racing for the first time could find themselves staring at a penalty of up to $250 or even facing 30 days in jail. Get caught again, and that penalty shoots up to $500 and/or a 60-day stay behind bars. For drivers with three or more offenses, the fines can escalate to a staggering $1,000 and up to six months in jail. And don’t think you can just stand on the sidelines! Spectators watching these dangerous antics could be slapped with a $100 fine too.
Voices from the Community
To get a sense of how this ordinance is being received, we spoke to some residents and business owners in the Crossroads area. David Johnson, who has called Crossroads home for the past 20 years, shared his frustrations with the ongoing noise and chaos. “It’s loud, it’s disruptive, and it’s dangerous,” he remarked, emphasizing how the constant roar of engines can overshadow the neighborhood’s charming nightlife. “I don’t hear thunderstorms through my building, but I hear loud engines and sideshows when they take over this intersection,” he added, highlighting the impact of these activities on mental health.
Local business owner Cristina Espinosa echoed Johnson’s sentiments. As the owner of Beauty Culture, she has seen firsthand how these sideshows disrupt daily life. “They’ll do donuts right outside my door. It’s a little aggressive out there and it’s pretty constant,” she said, voicing her concerns for safety. With a three-month-old infant at home, Espinosa described her anxiety over the potential dangers of speeding cars. “One day, one of these kids who are speeding up and down the road is going to run into us while I’m holding my son,” she said. It’s clear that the community is eagerly awaiting some change.
Calls for Action
Residents like Johnson are actively working with the Crossroads Community Association, hoping to amp up safety in their neck of the woods. “The city can feel a little lawless sometimes because of the lack of enforcement,” he noted, promoting an initiative for a community improvement district that would enhance security in the area. While this might help, Johnson recognizes that formal policing is what’s truly needed to tackle the issue of street racing.
Law Enforcement’s Standpoint
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department has been keeping tabs on this issue and told us about their recent efforts to combat illegal racing. They’ve conducted several large operations, leading to the disruption of 12 street racing events, the issuance of 59 tickets for racing and spectating, and even six arrests. However, the police caution that tracking these events isn’t always easy, so it’s likely that the actual incidence of racing is much higher. A public information officer from the department shared, “Harsher penalties for street racing may be what is needed to encourage people to think twice before participating in these types of events.”
Looking Ahead
With the implementation of this new ordinance, Kansas City is taking a large step toward regaining control of its streets. Only time will tell if these new rules put the brakes on the rampant street racing and sideshow culture that has annoyed residents for so long. If you live in Kansas City, it may be time to start holding onto hope for calmer nights and safer streets ahead.
