Trailnet Champion: Dirk Sprogoe

In each of our monthly newsletters, Trailnet features a member of our community who is working toward Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. In February 2024, we featured Dirk Sprogoe.

Dirk Sprogoe, owner of Billy Goat Bicycle Company in Kirkwood, was born and raised in St. Louis and still calls it home. 

“Born to European parents, my brother and I spent many summers in Switzerland and Germany and it was there that we saw cycling as something much bigger and more exciting than it was back home,” said Dirk. “That introduction to cycling inspired both of us to get racing bikes, start training, and then race our bikes all over the midwest… Back then, we dreamed of one day owning our own shop.  We’ve owned [Billy Goat] now for 8 years, and absolutely love what we do.”

Dirk is now 30+ years into his career in the local bike industry, and as passionate as ever. He comes by his passion honestly.

“My 85 year old mother still prefers to walk a mile to the grocery store and back, rather than drive..so maybe it’s in our genes.  I will always prefer riding my bike to work over driving, and that has been true for over 30 years now,” said Dirk.

Dirk and Billy Goat Bicycle Co. are perennial supporters of Trailnet’s work. Whether he is providing SAG support or sponsoring a ride (like the upcoming StG Gravel Classic), Dirk’s support is grounded in his belief in Trailnet’s vision.

“As a pedestrian, a cyclist, and a motorist, what excites me the most about Trailnet’s Streets for All vision is that it’s a plan with a 360 degree viewpoint.  Regardless of whether I am walking, riding, or driving, I often see folks at odds with one another, and often without compassion for the other side.  I feel that Trailnet is working to address the concerns from all sides, and to find legal and practical  solutions with everyone’s best interests at heart.”