There are plenty of good excuses for not cycling around Kansas City. Bike lanes are spotty, drivers are aggressively protective of their asphalt, and those pesky bridges and highways make downtown a fortress. But a band of local bikers is taking the intimidation out of two-wheeled transportation. Inspired by a similar buddy concept established in Chicago, local cycle-enthusiast Jason Wingate decided the best way to nudge would-be bikers was to give them a little one-on-one companionship out on the mean streets of KC. Now potential bike commuters can e-mail the Bike Escorts to figure out how to cycle safely from home to office. A friendly biking buff will not only research the best route but also act as a chauffeur to the desired destination. Even recreational cyclists just looking for some extra insight on new urban excursions can request an escort. This pedal-pushing escort service is free of charge; the escorts' payback is getting more bikes on the road. Looks like we're out of excuses.