St. Louisans Speak Out: The Future of Transportation Can’t Wait

Feb 14, 2025

The standing-room-only Transportation Infrastructure Mayoral Forum signaled a growing demand for transportation reform

On February 10, 2025, approximately 200 concerned St. Louisans gathered to attend the Mayoral Forum on Transportation Infrastructure at Paraquad’s headquarters. The event was held by a collaborative of St. Louis organizations: Trailnet, Paraquad, Transform 314, the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Bicyclists and Pedestrians (CP2), and the St. Louis Urbanists.

All four mayoral candidates — Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler, Mr. Andrew Jones, Mayor Tishaura Jones, and Alderwoman Cara Spencer — shared their personal visions for the future of transportation infrastructure in the City of St. Louis.

Questions were provided by the organizations and the public, promoting a productive conversation on a wide range of transportation topics. Notable topics included:

Allocating funds and ward capital to transportation infrastructure, including for the new St. Louis City Department of Transportation.
Improving ADA accessibility and mobility throughout the city.
Improving notable corridors, including South Grand.
Promoting dense, walkable neighborhoods.
Reducing the citywide speed limit.
Equitably distributing infrastructure improvements, particularly in North City.
Improving trust in government, particularly for Black St. Louisans, as it relates to advocating for transportation infrastructure.
Sharing the candidates’ own use of active and public transit, including how they hope to make use of public transportation more common for all.
Improving connectivity of St. Louis’ fragmented transportation networks.
Reimagining maintenance policies to remove barriers to safer infrastructure.

Trailnet would like to thank Paraquad, Transform 314, St. Louis Coalition to Protect Bicyclists and Pedestrians (CP2), and the St. Louis Urbanists for their collaboration on this event. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to everyone who attended the forum for their presence and thoughtful questions.

We believe that the turnout for the Mayoral Forum on Transportation Infrastructure demonstrated the exceptional need for mobility improvements in St. Louis. Pedestrians, cyclists, and those who use public transit attended in large numbers to show concern and advocate for improvement in mobility options and the safety of their communities from traffic violence, directly sharing their interests with elected officials. Moving forward, we hope to continue providing opportunities for greater public engagement in transportation issues, allowing for more informed residents and representatives.

Remember to vote in the Primary Municipal Election on March 4, 2025! The leading two candidates will then proceed to the General Election on April 8, 2025. To prepare, feel free to check current voter information and find your polling place.

Missed the Mayoral Transportation Infrastructure Forum? It is available for viewing on our Facebook page.