Through the end of June, the planning team will be doing outreach in Kirkwood to gather input on walking and bicycling in the community, and find what residents value when it comes to transportation. The input will be used to guide the creation of a Kirkwood Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
At these outreach events, you can talk to the planning team about walking and biking in Kirkwood, what’s working, what isn’t, and how you would like to see walking and biking enhanced over the next 15 years. Outreach events will have maps, surveys, and comment cards to capture your thoughts and suggestions. The planning team will be available at the following events; please come out and talk to them about the future of walking and biking in Kirkwood!
Plan review will take place in the fall through a variety of public events; stay tuned for more details later in the summer
Kirkwood Walking and Bicycling Survey: Please share your thoughts with us
The survey is now closed. A summary of the survey results will be posted soon. Thank you for being involved!
Do you live, walk, or bike in Kirkwood? Please help us create a plan that suits Kirkwood by filling out a ten minute survey about walking and biking in Kirkwood. Your answers will guide the recommendations and priorities in the plan.
Be on the lookout for a second survey in your Kirkwood utility bill in April. The general survey will focus on community vision and values when it comes to transportation.
Breaking News about the 2014 Ride the Rivers Century and NEW Journey Across Missouri
**We have moved our Ride the Rivers Century into September.
We have changed the start location, AND we have added a metric century option.
2014 date: Sunday, September 21
2014 start: Pere Marquette State Park
Details, routes, and prices can be found here.
Registration can be found here.
**We have added a ride across Missouri!
Trailnet’s Journey Across Missouri (JAM) will run from Tuesday, September 30 through Sunday, October 5.
Details: This is a 6-day cycling and camping adventure for those who are all in – and there are lots of shorter options too. The adventure starts at the Missouri border in KC and crosses the state on some of our most beautiful byways. Transportation options and directions are TBA and will be available soon at trailnet.org.
Find out more details about the Journey Across Missouri and register today.
Contact Steve Schmidt, Trailnet Rides Manager, if you have any questions about either of these rides.
Trailnet staff member Rhonda Smythe nominated for Advocate of the Year
The Alliance for Biking & Walking holds annual Advocacy Awards to recognize excellence in the bicycle and pedestrian movement. 10 leaders in bicycling and walking organization across the country are recognized for their commitment to promoting alternative transportation on the local and state level. Trailnet's Rhonda Smythe is one of these 10 leaders.
Rhonda's Biography
Rhonda Smythe, MPH, MS, RD joined Trailnet in May 2011. Her professional background includes experience in policy and programming, with special emphasis on active transportation and Farm to School issues. She serves on the following committees: Missouri Livable Streets Advisory Board, Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition, Missouri Bike Federation Legislative Committee, Gateway Greening Advisory Board, St. Louis Open Streets Steering Committee, and Mayor Slay’s Vanguard Cabinet. Rhonda manages the Social Innovation for Missouri grant, and bicycle and pedestrian policy and advocacy at the federal, state, and local level.
What should I teach my child about pedestrian safety? Where can I find the best resources?
It’s important for parents to take the time to teach their children pedestrian safety. What they should be taught depends upon their age and maturity level. Every child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for kids to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10.
The most basic pedestrian rules for kids are:
always walk on sidewalks or paths (facing traffic if possible)
cross the street only at crosswalks
understand walk signals and how to operate them
never run out into a street (even after a toy or pet) without looking both ways
understand the need to be seen by cars; wear white or other light colors when out past dusk
Trailnet works with a number of local schools teaching pedestrian and bike safety. If you are interested in having a program in your school, contact Taylor March at taylor@trailnet.org.
Not many kids at my child’s school walk or bike to school. What can I do to help increase those numbers?
Trailnet offers free workshops detailing how to increase walking and biking in your school or organization. Contact Taylor March at taylor@trailnet.org for information.
There are several things you can do to help increase the number of kids walking and biking to your neighborhood school.
Talk to the principal about what the school policy is for kids walking and biking to school. Some school districts discourage children from biking and walking to school. Find out what the principal thinks and be sure to have him or her on board before proceeding.
Take the idea to the PTO, it’s always better to have support from a larger group. There may already be other people addressing the issue.
Understand the barriers that keep neighborhood kids from walking and biking. It’s always best to understand the barriers kids and parents face before beginning to encourage walking and biking.
Work with parents, community officials, neighborhood organizations and school staff to remove the barriers.
Plan fun activities that encourage kids and parents to walk and bike to school. Potential activities can range from simple encouragement, in-class announcements, letters home, contests between classes, and Family Walk to School Days.
How do I set up a Walk to School Day at my school?
Trailnet has experienced staff to help you organize and produce a Walk to School day at your school. If you would like Trailnet’s assistance, contact Taylor March at taylor@trailnet.org.
If you want to organize your own Walk To School Day, there are a lot of different options. It can be as simple as sending home a flyer asking parents to walk their kids to school on a specific day or as involved as turning it into an event with prizes and snacks.
Do bicyclists have to wear helmets in the state of Missouri?
While there is no Missouri state law requiring bicycle helmets, many St. Louis municipalities including St. Louis County require cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Trailnet recommends that all bicyclists wear a helmet while riding.
Does Trailnet teach kids how to ride a bike?
As much as we would like to give individualized support to people of any age new to riding a bicycle, we do not have dedicated staff to handle these requests.
Trailnet offers BikeSmart classes, geared for riders of all levels ages 13 and up, designed to build confidence and get anyone ready to ride more often. Classes are led by a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor.
Are there resources to help me set up a Bike Rodeo for my organization?
Trailnet has League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors on staff to help you organize and produce a Bike Safety Rodeo for large events and summer camp activities (for a fee), but for smaller groups it can be more cost effective to organize a safety event yourself.
