Our new bold vision to connect St. Louis
Trailnet is always working to move St. Louis forward as a place where everyone can travel easily by foot or by bicycle. That’s why we’re thrilled to take our work to the next level with our new bold vision: connecting St. Louis with a network of protected bikeways and walkways on our streets. This project will transform our wonderful city, connecting neighborhoods, cultural districts, and business centers via east-west and north-south routes.
Connecting St. Louis with on-street protected bikeways and walkways will impact the region by bolstering economic development and increasing wellness and health advocacy, all while elevating equity and access. This has worked for Indianapolis and we know it can work for St. Louis.
The return on investment for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the model guiding Trailnet through this endeavor, has been astounding. From 2008 to 2014, property assessments within 500 feet of the trail increased 148%, adding $1 billion to the tax rolls. Indianapolis’ strategy of using on-street right-of-way was completed in just seven years.
We are excited to move ahead as we perfect our preliminary routes, meet with project partners, and seek community engagement, input, and support. Please stay tuned as we advance this plan.
“We believe high quality walking and bicycling networks on our streets will attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love,” said Ralph Pfremmer, executive director of Trailnet. “Our new vision will solidify St. Louis as one of the best cities for walking and biking and will have a positive impact on everyone in St. Louis.”
To learn more about the project check out these resources from the Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis Business Journal, St. Louis Public Radio, NextSTL, and Jean Ponzi’s Growing Green on KTRS.