Trailnet’s mission is to lead in fostering healthy and active communities through innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region. Areas of emphasis include:

• Programs – Trailnet provides biking, hiking, walking and conservation events and community education to diverse groups of people looking to lead healthier and more active lives. Hallmark programs include the Bicycle Fun Club, Safe Routes to School, and Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

• Community Planning – Trailnet helps municipalities design streets, sidewalks and trails where people can walk and bike safely and have more opportunities for healthful physical activity in their own community. Trailnet collaborates with public and private agencies in The Confluence Partnership, a network of conservation, heritage, and recreation attractions along America’s Great Rivers in the bi-state region.

• Policy Initiatives – Trailnet’s Healthy and Active Communities initiative, created in partnership with the Missouri Foundation for Health, provides the first visions of healthy, active living for residents of four underserved communities.

*What is Active Living?

Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. The goal is to get at least 30 minutes of activity a day. This can be achieved in many different ways, from walking or bicycling to the corner store to playing or gardening in a neighborhood park.

Active living is about creating healthy communities that have safe and convenient choices for people to walk, bike and be physically active on a daily basis. Consider these facts from the most recent research summaries by Active Living Research:

* People who live in neighborhoods with a mix of shops and businesses within easy walking distance have 35% lower risk of obesity.
* 43% of people with safe places to walk within 10 minutes of home meet recommended activity levels, while just 27% of those without safe places to walk are active enough.
* Creating and improving places to be active can result in a 25% increase in the percentage of people who exercise at least three times a week.
* More children walk to school when there are sidewalks.

From the Active Living Network