Request for Proposals: Calm Streets Facilitation Consultant
Trailnet is seeking a facilitation consultant to bring the Calm Streets St. Louis project into its second phase–putting us on a path toward constructing low-stress, green, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. If you’re a seasoned facilitator with the ability to build organizational structures and workplans, solidify community visions, and advise on community outreach, take a look at our request for proposals below. You’ll find an explanation of theCalm Streets St. Louis program as well as a list of requested services and our evaluation criteria.
Trailnet, Missouri Department of Transportation, and Bi-State Development Agency advocate “Safe Roads for All” during National Bike to Work Day
Trailnet celebrated the St. Louis region’s 10th annual Bike to Work Day Friday, May 15. Sponsored by Great Rivers Greenway, Missouri American Water, and Saint Louis Bread Co., the event drew more than 560 cyclists dedicated to making biking a way of life in St. Louis. Sponsors, volunteers, and Trailnet staff hosted refueling stations throughout the area, offering coffee and bagels to all bike commuters. Bike to Work Day helps to build a sense of community, promotes environmentally-friendly modes of travel, and inspires people to maintain healthy, active lifestyles.
Maggie Crane, communications director for the Office of Mayor Francis Slay, drew applause from the audience when she announced St. Louis will include its first bike and pedestrian coordinator position in the city’s 2015-2016 budget. This is one step required to boost the region’s overall bike friendliness ranking, as evaluated by the League of American Bicyclists.
Ralph Pfremmer, Trailnet’s executive director, stressed the importance of installing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to improve the health of local communities as well as the environment. “For the future, it’s critical that the expansion of well-designed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure continue,” Pfremmer said. “By increasing safe and pleasant opportunities for walking and biking, we will build the confidence of our users and improve public health and the environment. These assets of our community will most certainly attract and retain talented young people and entrepreneurs, adding to the vitality and economic prosperity of our region.
Five of Trailnet’s 2015 BFC rides included century routes. In addition, there were five opportunities for century routes on our non-profit partner rides. Below are lists of riders who completed centuries for each of these events:
For information about the Century Club, click here.
Forty tweed-clad bicyclists rode through the neighborhoods surrounding Tower Grove Park on Saturday morning, enjoying spring blooms and several of the architectural gems that grace the area.
The tour wound its way through Tower Grove Park, visiting the Christopher Columbus statue (one of few examples in the world of the explorer sporting a beard), and the stone ruins salvaged from the Lindell Hotel that sit at the edge of the park’s central pond.
The ride ended at The London Tea Room, where many members of the group enjoyed Afternoon Tea and lunch (don’t miss their tomato soup and croissants).
Many thanks to LaBerta and Sons Cycles for providing eco-SAG support, to Michael Allen for choosing our destinations and sharing his seemingly limitless knowledge of the area, and to Mark Axe and Peter Wollenberg for the great photographs. Trailnet thanks The London Tea Room not only for providing delicious food and a variety of fancy teas to riders, but also for donating part of the proceeds from their sales to Trailnet.
Would you like to feel more comfortable riding your bicycle on city streets? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint by commuting by bike? Trailnet can help build your confidence by teaching you practical skills that make biking easier.
We will offer monthly Bike Smart classes the 4th Tuesday of each month from April through September. The classes will take place in Ritz Park on South Grand from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The cost for each class is $10 and scholarships are available. For information, contact Cassie at cassie@trailnet.org or call at 314.436.1324 ext. 117
These are relaxed, no-drop rides that explore the gems of St. Louis on two wheels. They are a great way to learn something new and to meet people who share a love for the city. Volunteers are needed to help with the following:
Run the registration table – greet riders, provide information, and basic cash handling
Ride leaders – lead groups of riders of varying abilities safely through the duration of the ride. Ride leaders must be comfortable riding a bicycle in traffic, follow traffic laws, and use appropriate hand signals.
The planning team will have a plan review and Bicycle Rodeo set up at the Monster Machines Day in Des Peres Park on Saturday, May 2. Residents of Des Peres are invited to meet the planning team and to provide their input on the plan. For more information, click here.
Properly fitted helmets are strongly recommended and are required by law in some of the communities in which we ride.
Bring at least one full water bottle or hydration pack.
Be sure that your bike is in safe working order. Trailers and trail-a-bikes for kids are welcome, but please, no training wheels.
Additional items that are helpful and easily stowed in a jersey pocket or seat bag are a spare tube, a set of tire levers, and a small pump or CO2 cartridge. Tire changing tools and a multi-tool that fits your bike come in handy and can get you back on the ride without waiting for a support vehicle.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Special clothing is not required but can make the ride experience more pleasant.
Padded shorts will alleviate pain in the rear and wicking garments will prevent overheating.
Wear or bring sunscreen.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RIDERS?
Most BFC rides include a “no-drop” Group Ride on the short route that starts at 8:30 a.m. The Group Ride is for new riders or riders who would like to have an experienced leader.
Trailnet SAG (Support and Gear) vans cruise the routes until 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Vans are equipped with basic first aid, hydration, nutrition, and tools for minor repairs.
Phone 314.913.BIKE (2453) if you need assistance.
HOW DO I KNOW THE ROUTE FOR THE RIDE?
Route maps are not available until the day of the ride. Map preparation is time-intensive and our maps are created for an event experience.
Maps are available at ride registration and show route options, towns, attractions, and rest stops
In addition to the route map, pink arrows and dots on the pavement will direct you.
WHAT ARE THE ROUTES LIKE?
BFC rides are predominantly on roads; prepare to share with motorized traffic.
Most rides start on the short route and the longer routes branch out from there.
The longest route is designed for experienced riders and may have more hills or be routed on more heavily trafficked roads.
Terrain
Flat – very few small hills
Rolling – frequent small hills
Moderate – a mix of hills, with some steep climbs
Big – some hills over 150 feet
Very hilly – many hills over 150 feet
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A BFC RIDE?
Preregistration is available online at trailnet.org or you can register at the start location on the day of most BFC rides (exceptions are noted on the website). Online registration closes two days prior to the ride. Preregistration for the Ride the Rivers Century Ride is recommended.
Many rides have a “happy hour” at the sponsoring bike shop the week before the ride. This is an opportunity to preregister and learn about the ride. Check the website for listings.
Wrist bands will be distributed to all registered riders and will be checked throughout the ride at rest stops and by SAG drivers (riders without wristbands using the rest stop or seeking assistance during the ride will be charged $20).
Preregistered riders need to check in at the ride start to get their map and wrist band.
HOW MUCH DO BFC RIDES COST?
Online registration price for most rides is $8 for Trailnet members and $13 for nonmembers.
Day of ride price for most rides is $10 for Trailnet members and $15 for nonmembers.
Children under 10 riding with an adult are $3.
Season Pass
New for 2015: Season Pass for Trailnet members only!
Enjoy all of our BFC Rides* and Cultural Tours for one low price – only $220 for the season. No waiting in line, no need to register for individual events. For a supplement of $35 you can also be eligible for recognition as a Century Club Member.
Not a Trailnet Member? Click here to join so that you can take advantage of this great deal.
Register for the season pass here. Following checkout you will be automatically preregistered in all of the BFC Rides* and Cultural Tours. When you arrive at an event, just proceed to the Preregistered table to receive your map and wristband.**
Included BFC Rides
Included Cultural Tours
Bottom Out Bicycle Ride
Tweed Ride
Poker Flats Campfire (ride only)
The Art of Riding
Strawberry Festival and Berry Bike Ride
Tour de Museum
Great Pizza Bicycle Ride
People, Public Space and Progress
Route 66 Bicycle Ride
Jazz History Bike Tour
Cottleville Classic
Bicrobrews
Bridge Birthday Bash
Prohibition in St. Louis Bicycle Tour
Big Bottle Bicycle Ride
LGBTQ* History Tour
I Scream for Ice Cream
Open Studios Tour
Farrhadtour und Augustfest
Bike St. Louis City Tour
Fat Tire Campfire at Klondike
Giro della Montagna
Ride the Rivers Century
*Lucky’s Ride and the camping portion of Poker Flats are not included.
** Wristbands are issued for all BFC Rides.
Century Club
New for 2015 – become a member of the Century Club!
Complete five centuriesthroughout the season and earn a Century Club patch and recognition on Trailnet’s website. Eligible events include the Ride the Rivers Century, other BFC rides that include century options, or any of our partner fundraising events that include a century ride.
By completing one or more of your centuries on fundraising rides, you will earn a star on your patch and special recognition on the website.
It’s easy to “join” the club. For each ride, the online registration page includes a check box to participate in the century. If you are riding for one of our partner fundraising rides, let them know you are participating in Trailnet’s Century Club.
See the list of riders who are on their way to completing their 500 miles!
Also new this year for Trailnet members – a Season Pass for Trailnet’s BFC Rides and Cultural Tours. No need to register for individual rides, no waiting in line at the registration table. Click here for more information on this great deal.
Trailnet is seeking a facilitation consultant to bring the Calm Streets St. Louis project into its second phase–putting us on a path toward constructing low-stress, green, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. If you’re a seasoned facilitator with the ability to build organizational structures and workplans, solidify community visions, and advise on community outreach, take a look at our request for proposals below. You’ll find an explanation of theCalm Streets St. Louis program as well as a list of requested services and our evaluation criteria.
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