Drivers on the city streets are generally very courteous, and while most aren't all that accustomed to seeing bikers on the streets they seem to be fairly accommodating. City streets can be bumpy in many places, especially in the central areas. Even though in recent years the city has greatly increased the pace of repaving the roads, a hybrid or mountain bike isn't overkill. Contrary to the image many people have of the Midwest, Kansas City is actually quite hilly and can make for some challenging bike rides. At the present time the city's bus system does not have bike racks and does not allow bikes on busses.
Most streets are fairly wide and there are a usually quite side streets parallel to the major roads.
Where to Ride KCMO has a vast boulevard system which can be a great place to ride. Most are very wide and also have broad shoulders or sidewalks. Currently there is one good trail in the city itself . The Trolley Track Trail is an old streetcar line that has been turned into a crushed-rock trail. It's a great ride though the swank residential areas of South Plaza, Brookside, Waldo.