Wheel Warnings
No one is immune to experiencing an accident on the road, but cyclists are more vulnerable than most.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, bicycle- related fatalities in the state increased by 125% between 2023 and 2024. Of these tragic events, 70% occurred in Kansas City, St. Louis, and the southwestern part of the state. Common medical issues among cyclists who survive collisions with automobiles include traumatic brain injuries, jaw fractures, dental damage, and broken arms, wrists, collarbones, and shoulders. These injured parties often contend with high medical costs, lost income, property damage, and ongoing pain and suffering. With bicycle accidents on the rise, here are a few basics about the most common causes of these incidents and how fault is determined in Missouri. THE RISKY REALITIES OF ROAD RIDING When considering the proliferation of infotainment screens in automobiles and the ever-present use of smartphones in society, it’s no surprise that distracted driving is becoming a leading contributor to collisions between cars and bicycles in urban settings. Other common causes of fatal or severe bicycle accidents include drivers failing to yield the right of way and cyclists riding against the flow of traffic. BITES AND BYL Are particular dog breeds potentially more dangerous than others? In the eyes of the law, the answer to that question is more complex than many pet owners may realize.
If you live in an apartment or a small house and dream of a homestead lifestyle (growing your own food, cutting waste, and reconnecting with nature), you should know that you don’t need a sprawling backyard. With creativity and a handful of smart strategies, even a balcony or a sunny windowsill can become a green oasis. CONTAINER AND INDOOR GARDENING One of the easiest first steps is growing herbs, salad greens, or small veggies in containers. Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and thyme can thrive in pots on a windowsill or balcony. If you have a balcony or even just a sunny corner, larger containers can support cherry tomatoes, peppers, radishes, or lettuce, all of which require a fair amount of space. For soil, choose a light potting mix or mix in perlite, coir, or compost to encourage drainage and prevent root rot. If space is tight, vertical gardening is your best friend. Hanging planters, wall shelves, and stackable containers allow your garden to grow upward, making them ideal for herbs, microgreens, strawberries, and compact lettuces. COMPOSTING AND SOIL BUILDING Don’t overlook composting just because you don’t have a garden. Small-scale compost systems, such as worm bins or indoor compost containers, can recycle kitchen scraps, including vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, into nutrient-rich compost. That compost becomes valuable soil food for your container plants, helping to boost fertility and keep your garden flourishing. HARVESTING AND WATER CONSERVATION One of the most oft-overlooked homesteading moves is water- conscious gardening. If you have a balcony or usable rooftop, consider collecting rainwater. Even a small barrel under a downspout or balcony rail can help. Collected rainwater is often gentler on plants than treated tap water, and it helps the planet (and your water bill). Even in small-scale urban gardens, water harvesting is a sustainable step worth considering. SMART PLANNING The beauty of apartment or small-house homesteading is that it doesn’t require massive ambition, but it does need a smart strategy. Start with just a couple of containers or planters, choose easy-to-grow herbs or greens, and learn as you go. Especially in the beginning, many successful small-space homesteaders recommend this gentle approach. HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENTS AND TINY HOMES SMALL SPACE, BIG HARVEST
As just one example, the public’s perspective of pit bulls is controversial at best. Some consider them inherently dangerous, as they’re dogs commonly believed to have been bred for fighting. Conversely, the American Veterinary Medical Association and others have argued that a dog’s temperament is influenced more by individual history and behavior than by breed. Naturally, this inconsistency in interpreting the nature of pit bulls and their place in human society has resulted in notable variations in the laws created to address them, including a vast difference in how these animals are handled in
Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Here is a brief overview of how legal parameters of pit bull ownership can change in a matter of miles. A TAIL OF TWO CITIES The way each Kansas City views and governs pit bulls has changed over time. In 2019, Kansas City, Kansas, lifted a 29-year ban on the animals, removing all restrictions associated with their ownership.
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator