Advocacy Alert: Add your voice and help end distracted driving
Legislation to limit distracted driving will be up for debate in a Missouri Senate hearing in the coming weeks and you have a chance to help move the bill forward.
Will you help?
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
A Missouri State Senate bill sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
This legislation will be heard in committee in the coming weeks. This bill is one of several different initiatives in the Missouri Senate and House to limit distracted driving and the first to receive a hearing this year.
Stay tuned to Trailnet’s social media and newsletters for other opportunities to help advocate for distracted driving legislation this year
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
New year & renewed efforts on distract driving
The start of the 2022 legislative session at the state capitol in Jefferson City saw the introduction of more than a dozen bills focused on curbing distracted driving.
Trailnet is helping lead efforts with partners across the state to curb distracted driving and pass legislation that limits phone use by people while driving. This bi-partisan coalition, Hands Free Missouri, is pushing for new rules that limit people from using their phones while driving.
With the legislative session underway, we are working to grow the coalition of supporters, engage with lawmakers, coordinate testimony for bills, and make progress on this problem.
Missouri is the last state in the nation without meaningful restrictions on all drivers using phones while driving. This lack of rules endangers everyone on our roads, but puts people walking and biking at an ever greater risk.
Dangerous, distracted driving poses one of the biggest threats to people walking and biking in our community. In Missouri more than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving and 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
It is vital that Missouri lawmakers pass meaningful distracted driving legislation and each of us realize the real, human risk that comes from distracted driving.
We need your help to stop distracted driving:
Set an example for the people in your life by not using your phone while driving
Call or email your Missouri State Representative and Senator asking them to support hands free driving legislation
Get involved with Trailnet’s advocacy work by emailing our Policy Manager: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Share the incredibly powerful and personal toll distracted driving crashes can have for people. Watch or share one of these incredibly impactful videos from one of our partners in the Hands Free Coalition, Mercy Injury Prevention
Trailnet is excited to announce two new grants supporting our work to improve walking and biking in the community in 2022. Together these grants represent $40,000 of new funding to support our mission and programs.
P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation
Trailnet received $25,000 from the P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation to support our planning, education and advocacy efforts. Wayne Goode was a former Missouri state legislator who also served the region as president of Trailnet’s board. Wayne passed away in the fall of 2020 and we appreciate the support of his family’s foundation and the lasting impact this grant offers.
U.S. Energy Foundation
Trailnet has also received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Energy Foundation to assist the City of St. Louis with community engagement efforts. These efforts are focused on modifying streets to be safer and lower-stress for people walking and biking. This effort is in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and is aimed at reducing the environmental effects of car-dependency by making walking and biking safer and more accessible.
Prop 1: Voters to weigh in on sidewalks, bike lanes and street repairs in April vote.
A $50 million bond question including funding for sidewalk improvements, bike infrastructure and street repairs is headed to voter after being approved by the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen and Mayor Tishaura Jones. The bond question will go on the ballot for a Tuesday, April 5 vote.
The bond question, Proposition 1, would help pay for the backlog of infrastructure repairs and improvements that aren’t covered by federal assistance funds.
“This bond question is an important step to invest in safe, sustainable infrastructure and ensure it is done in an equitable way. We need to see more funding focused on closing sidewalk gaps, improving accessibility for people with disabilities and supporting safer biking,” Kevin Hahn-Petruso Trailnet’s policy manager said.
Alderwoman Marlene Davis introduced the board bill initiating this process and it was passed without opposition by the Board of Aldermen.
The debt from the bonds will be paid off using existing property tax streams and not result in a property tax increase.
In addition to street repair and biking and walking upgrades, the bonds would also help pay for a new emergency dispatch center and improving conditions at correctional facilities. Money from the bonds could also be used as matching funds for federal programs – including the transportation programs that help fund the city’s planned cycle tracks – and for repairs of city buildings.
Two-thirds of people voting in the election would need to support the bond issue for it to pass.
Press Release | Trailnet & Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism to host inaugural gravel bike ride: StG Gravel Classic
Ste. Genevieve, Mo. – Trailnet and the Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism are launching the StG Gravel Classic. This multi-route bike ride, Saturday April 9, 2022, is the tourism department and Trailnet’s first gravel event.
The StG Gravel Classic offers riders a choice of three routes, 20, 45 and 78 miles on levee trails and hilly gravel roads, with less than 10% of each route on paved roads.
This ride is the first of the 2022 Trailnet Classics, a series of multi-distanced, supported bike rides across the region that help fund Trailnet’s work to improve safety for people walking and biking.
The StG Gravel Classic and all of the Trailnet Classics include rest stops with food and water, marked routes, turn-by-turn directions, and support vehicles to help riders in case of mechanical or first aid issues.
“We’re launching our first gravel event this year to introduce more people to the beautiful and challenging riding Ste. Genevieve has to offer. This is a chance to embrace the spirit of gravel in such a welcoming and historically significant community,” Matt Hartman, Trailnet’s Rides Director said.
“The Ste Genevieve Tourism Department is excited to welcome riders, their friends and families to explore and connect with everything we have to offer. With our long storied- history, the Missouri Dinosaur discovery, scenic nature, delicious dining, wineries, and unique shopping, we know all who visit will fall in love,” Jeff Wix, Ste. Genevieve’s Tourism Director, said.
Riders should explore visitstegen.com for a convenient guide to lodging, dining, local winners, shops, and attractions during the weekend of the ride and for their next trip to Ste. Genevieve.
“By partnering with Ste. Genevieve, we’re introducing more people to the community and helping share the benefits of biking for economic development as well as the health and connection in the community” Cindy Mense, Trailnet’s CEO said.
What is gravel riding?
Gravel biking is simply riding bikes on unpaved gravel or dirt roads. Combining elements of road riding and mountain biking, gravel riding has grown in popularity in recent years both in recreational riding and racing.
While any bike can be ridden on gravel roads, bikes with wider tires – 32 mm or 1.25 in or thicker – are encouraged for greater comfort and handling.
The StG Gravel Classic is designed to give people of different skill levels a unique, supported gravel experience.
Timing and Prizes
All riders will receive a timing chip that records their total time on the ride. Trailnet and sponsors will be providing prizes for the top five finishers in age and gender categories.
18 and Under ($10 registration)
Men’s Open – (age 19+)
Women’s Open – (age 19+)
Men’s Masters – (age 35+)
Women’s Masters – (age 35+)
Gravel riding is as competitive or non-competitive as individual riders want it to be. The Masters Category is the more-competitive category. The Open Category is meant for riders of all levels.
Registration & Pricing
Registration is open now at Trailnet.org/rides and is $45 for the public and $30 for Trailnet members.
This year Trailnet is introducing youth pricing for riders 18 years old and younger to encourage more young riders and families to participate. Registration for people 18 and younger is $10.
Trailnet is following local health rules for organizing events. As rules change, Trailnet staff will communicate details and expectations with riders.
Trailnet will announce its full 2022 ride season calendar on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
Sponsors
The StG Gravel Classic is sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Tourism Department. The prizes for the fastest riders of each category are sponsored by InMotion Bike Fit Studio. The timing for the ride is courtesy of Billy Goat Bicycle Company. Logan University will provide complementary post-ride massages.
Schlafly Beer is the 2022 beer and hard seltzer sponsor of the Trailnet Classics.
Details
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 2022
TIME: 8 a.m.
LOCATION: Downtown Ste. Genevieve and surrounding roads and levee trails
ROUTE DISTANCES: 20, 45, 78
PRICE: $45, $30 for Trailnet Members, $10 for riders 18 years old and younger
Trailnet is the St. Louis region’s nonprofit walking, biking and public transit advocacy organization. For more than 33 years, Trailnet has been working within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love.
Rock Island Trail State park, a new cross-state bike trail
Tuesday Dec.15, 2021 the Missouri Department of Natural Resources took ownership of a 144 mile railroad corridor to convert it into the Rock Island Trail State Park.
The new trail will cross through communities in Central Missouri from Windsor to Beaufort. At Windsor, it will connect to 237 mile Katy Trail State park including the 47 mile Rock Island Trail spur that connects Windsor to Lee’s Summit in the Kansas City suburbs. Once completed the Rock Island and Katy Trails will form a 428 mile trail loop network that will connect communities, boost local economies, as well as increase bike and outdoor tourism.
From Missouri State Parks
Trailnet helped organize early efforts through its statewide collaboration: Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT). MRT is a partnership between the Trailnet, BikeWalk KC, LocalMotion (formerly PedNet) and Ozark Greenways focused on improving walking and biking in communities across the state.
Trailnet started meeting with partners including MMRT and Missouri State Parks in 2018 to help build a coalition to help push the trail forward. This work included vital early fundraising efforts for the trail, helping connect donors to the project and raise the initial funding to make the future rail trail possible.
This month’s news is a key step towards the creation of this new trail and state park, but it will be several years before people can ride or hike on the trail.
Missouri State Parks and Missouri Department of Natural Resources have already begun planning for construction. The trail will be completed in stages, with some sections taking a number of years and others up to a decade.
As planning and construction on the trail begins, the potential also exists to extend the trail and create more links to into the St. Louis region. This is a significant regional and statewide project with strong implications for communities across the state to be more connected through safe walking and biking infrastructure.
New core transportation projects receive federal funding, move towards construction
Two greenway extensions, two cycle tracks (aka protected bike lanes), and a Metrolink station upgrade all move forward.
Today, five regional projects for improved walking, biking, and transit (core transportation) received federal funding, clearing the way towards construction in the coming years.
These projects are sponsored by our partners at the City of St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway, and Metro Transit.
The projects were approved by the East West Gateway Council of Governments, a 14-county regional board responsible for transportation planning and funding.
St. Louis City projects include:
Funding to replace the Compton Ave. Bridge, adding a cycle track (aka protected bike lane) plus sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades
A city-led effort to build a cycle track on South Broadway between River Des Peres Greenway and Dover St. at Bellerive Park
Metro Transit
Accessibility, lighting, and canopy improvements at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Metro Station
Additional funding was awarded to Metro for 18 new call-a-ride vans for seniors and people with disabilities as well as 20 new buses which will be hitting the streets in the next few years.
Great Rivers Greenway
A segment of the Brickline Greenway from Sarah St. To Grand St., including an overpass over Vandeventer Ave.
An extension of the St. Vincent Greenway from Werley Ave. to St. Charles Rock Road in St. Louis County.
Congratulations to our partners on this key step and the strides towards bringing more core transportation projects to the region. All of these projects are included in competitive federal transportation funds administered by East West Gateway. Learn more about these funds on the EWG website.
Ride the Rivers 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the 2021 Ride the Rivers Century presented by Streets of St. Charles. Whether you’re riding the metric century, or the full century, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Packet Pickup
When and where should I get my ride packet?
Thursday Oct. 7, 6-8:00 p.m. Streets of St. Charles 1520 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63303
If you preordered an event jersey you’ll be able to pickup it up Oct. 7 as well.
There is day-of packet pickup at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday at the check-in tent
What is the bib number for? There is a timing chip built into the number plate. It is linked to your registration and will be used to track your cumulative ride time. Use the included zip ties to attach it to your handlebars to track your overall time and standings.
What is the wristband for? The wristband confirms you’ve registered for the ride. The tear-off tabs are used for the ferry crossings, give one to the ferry operator. Please don’t tear off ahead of time.
You will need the tear-off tabs for the Golden Eagle Ferry (both routes) the Grafton Ferry (metric century route only). The Brussels Ferry is free for all users and doesn’t need a tab.
I ordered a jersey (or any other merchandise), when will I get it? If you ordered a Jersey during early-bird registration, you can pick it up on Thursday during packet pickup or on Saturday.
If you ordered the jersey after the early-bird window, it will be shipped to your house.
If you ordered socks, they will be included in your packet.
If you ordered a bottle, it will be available for pickup on Saturday.
Before the Ride
How will the route be marked?
All our routes will be marked with bright pink paint and arrows on the road.
We will have paper maps and cue sheets on our Check-in table, as well.
Once you’ve downloaded the app click here to access the routes. We may need to make be minor changes to the routes based on road conditions and construction up until Friday. You’ll receive an email when the routes are finalized and can be downloaded to your phone or GPS.
How do I contact SAG (Support And Gear) if I need help on the ride? Because of the large number of participants and distance covered during this ride we are using TraQ Central for SAG. This lets us more accurately track riders and give GPS locations to sag drivers, speeding up response times.
This easy-to-use app runs passively in the background of your phone and doesn’t significantly impact your battery. More info on TraQCentral can be found here.
Or, save this number in your phone and call: 314-913-BIKE (314-913-2453)
How should I plan for food/nutrition? Food, nutrition and water will be available at check in and at several rest stops along the routes.
Rest stops are spaced no more than 20 miles apart and will have a variety of food, water and sports mix to fuel along the way.
All riders will receive a meal ticket after the ride for food from Mission Taco and beers from Schlafly.
From Mission Taco Joint:
Chicken burrito – grilled chicken, cilantro rice, smashed black beans, Chihuahua cheese, and chipotle aioli.
Veggie burrito – smashed black beans, cilantro rice, pico de gallo, Chihuahua cheese.
From Trailnet
Schlafly Beer
Sodas
Gatorade
Day-of the Ride
When should I arrive?
If you have already picked up your ride packet, arrive no later than 6:00 a.m. This will give you time to find parking, get coffee, grab snacks, fill water etc.
If you have not picked up your packet: we strongly suggest you be in line no later than 5:30 a.m. You will need to give yourself time to get the packet, attached your timing card, return the packet to your car, and get ready to ride
When can I start the ride? All Riders must depart with the group at 7: a.m.
St. Charles Police Department will escort riders through town before closing streets along the route for two separate events after our ride group departs.
Riders will not be able to depart after the 7 a.m. group start.
Where should I park? All Riders must park in the Streets of St. Charles Parking Deck, located between Beal St. and S. Main St.
Do not park in any of the neighboring surface lots, anyone who does will be towed.
1650 Beale St. St. Charles, MO 63303
Enter the parking deck off of S. Main Street or Camelback Road because of ride-day street closures.
Do I need to bring cash for the ferry crossings?
No, your wristband has tear-off tabs that you will give to the ferry operators at Golden Eagle Ferry (both routes) the Grafton Ferry (metric century route only). The Brussels Ferry is free for all users and doesn’t need a tab.
Do I need to wear a mask?
We are asking that all riders wear a mask when not riding, eating or drinking.
Trailnet staff and volunteers will be wearing masks when interacting with other people and when social distancing isn’t possible.
Clayton works with Trailnet to adopt new Complete Streets Policies
A new set of rules governing how the City of Clayton builds and maintains its streets to accommodate people walking, using mobility devices, biking and using transit is now law.
Trailnet began working with city leaders to update its Complete Streets Policies last year and the policies were approved by the Clayton Board of Aldermen last month.
Complete Streets Policies are a collection of rules that communities adopt to govern how they build and maintain their streets. These policies are passed in order to prioritize the safety of people walking, biking, using wheelchairs, and other non-car transportation, as well as improve safety for people driving.
Clayton’s reformed policies are a result of Trailnet and the city working to:
Improve rules governing equity
Update design standards
Modernize how the success of these projects is measured
Clarify when exceptions to these rules can be applied
Improve how street projects are selected
Clayton’s original complete streets ordinance was adopted in 2012, but over the years, national standards for complete streets evolved to further prioritize the needs of people outside of cars. With that shift, Clayton’s policies required this important update.
These changes were vital to create streets that balance the safety and needs of everyone using the street.
Trailnet receives $40k grant for Jefferson County walk-bike strategy
Trailnet will begin developing a walking and biking strategy for Crystal City, Festus, and Herculaneum in Jefferson County. These efforts will help the communities prioritize infrastructure upgrades, programs and policies to improve access for people walking and biking.
Trailnet will provide support, training, and community engagement resources for the three communities. The goal of the work is to identify future projects for the three communities and provide ongoing technical assistance to advance improvements and identify future funding.
This work is possible thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Jefferson Foundation.
The Jefferson Foundation provides support for charitable and educational activities that promote individual and community health and well-being in Jefferson County. The foundation was formed in 2013 when Mercy Health System acquired Jefferson Regional Medical Center (now Mercy Hospital Jefferson) in Crystal City. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded 1,141 grants for a total of about $52.1 million.
