Weigh in: Tucker Blvd. Bike-Walk-Bus public comments

Jan 29, 2021

artist rendering of tucker protected bike lane project

Updated Jan. 29, 2021

Public Comments are open for a .9 mile cycle track construction project on Tucker Blvd. downtown.

You can add your support or input for this project. This is a competitive grant, so the more people who add their support the more likely it is to get funding.

LEAVE A COMMENT (two options)

OPTION 1
Click here, scroll down, select “ST LOUIS,” then click on “TUCKER BOULEVARD CYCLE TRACK” and follow the instructions.

OR

OPTION 2
Send an email to TIP@ewgateway.org and

Paste “Comment on TIP 207165-22 TUCKER BOULEVARD CYCLE TRACK” into the subject line. Then leave you comment making sure to state where you live, if you use the corridor and if you support the project.

PROJECT DETAILS
This month, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) advanced a $1.1 million federal construction application for biking, walking, and bus stop improvements on Tucker Blvd. between Chouteau Ave. and Washington Ave. The public comment period for this project is from Jan. 29 through Feb. 26.

The project is sponsored by the City of St. Louis and was developed by Trailnet and community partners. This key route is one step closer to seeing a protected bike lane and other improvements recommended by Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan.

Tucker was identified during the 2016-2018 Connecting St. Louis community engagement and planning effort as a potential safe low-stress connection over the rail yard downtown. This rail yard is major barrier for people on bike and on foot in the region. It has been identified in numerous studies including the Downtown Multi-Modal Plan and Connecting St. Louis. Tucker was selected over other options based on resident input, the width of the bridge, the lack of interstate ramps, and other factors.

The proposed two-way, cycle track and numerous intersection safety improvements along the corridor will create a safer connection for people walking, biking, and taking the bus. These include bus islands, pedestrian refuge islands, crosswalk signal upgrades, and high-visibility crosswalks along this .9 mile stretch of Tucker.

WHAT’S A CYCLE TRACK?
A cycle track is a protected bike lane that physically separates bike traffic from car traffic and people walking.
Cycle tracks can come in different variations (one-way vs. two-way) and can use different methods of separating bikes from sidewalks and the street (curbs, raised lanes, planters, etc.)
Cycle tracks provide important separated space for people of all ages and abilities to bike.

map of tucker project showing connections to other greenways and bikeroutes, includes bus stop locations

Trailnet in partnership with others funded a preliminary engineering study — completed in March 2020 — to bring this project closer to construction.

The City submitted an application for funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) under the US Department of Transportation. This is a competitive grant aimed at supporting smaller bike, pedestrian and other community-based projects. The next step will be a vote from EWG’s board to approve this recommendation.

This progress is thanks to the generous support of members and supporters like you, partners including The City of St. Louis, Downtown STL, People for Bikes, Alderman Jack Coatar, a number of family foundations, and area businesses who are making this effort possible.