Trailnet’s 2024 Crash Report: Deadliest Year on Record for Pedestrians in the St. Louis Region
Trailnet has released its fifth annual Crash Report, a vital tool for advocacy and education aimed at building safer streets across the St. Louis region. Analyzing crash data from 2024 alongside longer-term trends dating back to 2010, this year’s report reveals an urgent need for systemic change to curb the rising tide of traffic violence — especially for pedestrians and people biking.
In 2024, both St. Louis City and St. Louis County experienced their deadliest year on record for pedestrians, even as some types of crashes declined. While reported crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians dropped by 9.5% from 2023 to 2024, pedestrian deaths surged — up 187% in the City and 24% in the County.
“Each data point in this report represents a life lost or permanently altered,” said Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet. “Preventing future tragedies requires a collective commitment — from drivers who must slow down and stay focused, to policymakers and engineers who must design and fund streets that prioritize the safety of everyone, especially those outside of cars.”
Key findings from the 2024 Crash Report include:
- In 2024, 23 pedestrians were killed in St. Louis City, and 36 in St. Louis County.
- Since 2010, the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths has increased by 73%, even as total reported crashes have fallen by 35%.
- In 2024, nearly 48% of all road fatalities involved people walking, up from 25% in 2010.
- Cyclist crashes rose by 38% in the County in 2024 — with 81% of crashes occurring where no bike lanes or trails exist.
- Each crash involving a pedestrian or cyclist is becoming deadlier: in 2010, fewer than 2% of those struck died; today, nearly one in 10 dies.
Trailnet’s report identifies wide arterial roads with high speed limits, poor lighting, inadequate pedestrian crossings, and a lack of bike facilities as persistent, dangerous patterns in crash data across the region.
The Crash Report is designed to provide leaders, planners, and advocates with actionable data that can drive life-saving changes. Trailnet calls on policymakers to urgently prioritize infrastructure investments that slow down traffic, create safer crossings, and expand access to protected biking and walking facilities.
“Our region deserves better,” said Mense. “With intentional investment, we can create streets that keep everyone safer and contribute to a vibrant and healthier community.”