Most people experience Independence Avenue from behind the wheel—but the corridor serves far more than just automobiles.

Every day, residents move along the Avenue by bus, bicycle, and on foot. With ongoing infrastructure changes and increased activity, it’s more important than ever for drivers to stay alert.

Keep in mind:

Watch for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossings
Expect cyclists traveling along and across the corridor
Use caution when approaching stopped buses
Stay aware of lane shifts, signals, and changing traffic patterns

A safer Avenue starts with awareness—from everyone.

THE BACKBONE: BUS

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Line 24 – Independence

The Independence Avenue bus line is one of the most heavily used transit routes in Kansas City—and for good reason.

Running from the Paseo to the eastern city limits, the 24-Independence line connects residents to grocery stores, schools, libraries, and small businesses all along the corridor. For many in the Historic Northeast, it functions as a true “Main Street on wheels.”

With frequent stops and consistent service, the route provides essential access to jobs, healthcare, and daily necessities.

What to Watch For

Buses stop frequently—often every few blocks
Riders may cross in front of or behind buses
Always slow down when approaching a stopped bus

For thousands of residents, the bus isn’t an alternative—it’s a lifeline.

THE HUMAN SCALE: WALKING

A More Connected Avenue

Walking remains the most fundamental way people experience Independence Avenue—and recent improvements are making it safer and more accessible.

High-visibility “ladder” crosswalks and pedestrian signals have been added at key intersections, including:

Paseo
Highland
Benton
Van Brunt
Hardesty

These upgrades are designed to make crossings clearer for drivers and safer for pedestrians.

Rebuilding the Corridor

Over the past decade, major intersections like Benton, Hardesty, and Van Brunt have been realigned and redesigned to improve traffic flow and reduce confusion—changes that also benefit those traveling on foot.

Improved lighting, sidewalk repairs, and better-defined crossings are helping transform the Avenue into a place where residents can safely walk to nearby shops, markets, and services.

What to Watch For

Pedestrians may cross mid-block in busy areas
Not all intersections have crosswalks or traffic signals
Increased foot traffic near businesses and bus stops, such at White Ave

The Avenue works best when it moves at a human pace—not just a vehicle speed.

TWO WHEELS: BIKE

RideKC Bike at Woodland

For those looking to move faster than walking—but with more flexibility than transit—biking is becoming an increasingly viable option along the corridor.

The RideKC Bike station at Woodland Avenue provides access to shared bikes, including electric-assist options that make longer trips and hills more manageable.