2023 was an outstanding year to be a “Trailnut”! (a nickname our team happily adopted following a cake decorating snafu at this year’s Ride the Rivers)
Together with our members, donors, sponsors, partners and neighbors, we celebrated some of the most significant wins EVER for people walking, biking and using transit in the St. Louis region.
We made a lot of progress, and we’re excited to move into the new year with a lot of momentum. Here’s some of what we accomplished:
2023 Stats
2,919 riders ages 4 to 85 came from 21 states to join us at 11 bike rides
195 people learned new bike skills and explored the greenways through our bike education programs funded by Great Rivers Greenway
We analyzed 736 crashes throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County to produce our 2022 Crash Report
Our advocacy team attended 111 community meetings, reviewed 15 bills, and testified at 6 hearings.
Our planning team engaged 220+ people at two traffic calming demonstrations
Along with BWorks, we surveyed Aldermanic candidates, received 9 responses, and published their positions on mobility issues
8.41 miles of bike infrastructure is funded for construction in the City of St. Louis, much of it inspired by Connecting St. Louis and Trailnet’s other advocacy efforts
Years of conversations at community meetings, public testimonies and outspoken advocacy in pursuit of safer streets culminated in the signing of the St. Louis Safer Streets Bill (Board Bill 120) on March 1, 2023. Trailnet CEO Cindy Mense stood by the mayor’s side and gave remarks on behalf of all of Trailnet’s neighbors and supporters who stand to benefit from this unprecedented investment!
Trailnet will continue to engage with the City to make sure that this money is put to use efficiently, effectively and in the interests of all road users.
Distracted Driving Banned
For years, Trailnet and our statewide partners have recognized distracted driving as one of our most pressing problems. Along with other members of the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition, we have advocated tirelessly to get Missouri legislators on board with a hands-free driving law.
In honor of the memory of Randall Siddens and countless other victims of distracted driving in Missouri, we are proud our state has finally taken this step forward.
This 1.1-mile corridor is a pilot project for the City’s Calm Streets initiative. The construction of phase 1 was the result of years of hard work and collaboration across the City. We look forward to seeing how this project will progress—eventually connecting two of our City’s largest parks and paving the way for future infrastructure improvements across our streets network.
Pop-Up Traffic Calming Demos
It can be hard to imagine what new infrastructure could look and feel like to walk, bike or drive through. That’s where traffic calming pop up demonstrations come in. We use temporary materials like brightly colored cones, tires and flowers to demonstrate a cross walk, bump outs, fewer driving lanes or a bike lane.
We hosted two of these this year: one for MODOT on Route D in St. Louis City and another on Park(ing) Day on Compton Avenue.
New Community Trail for South County Students
A team of Spire volunteers constructed an all new walking and biking path on the property of Bayless Elementary School this summer! The project was the result of a collaboration between Trailnet, Spire and Bayless Schools, funded by Spire Serves and carried out by volunteers through Spire’s Day for Good program. The trail is an asset to the school’s bike education programs.
7th grader Sudais Abdirahman reminded us of the importance of getting outside and being active, saying, “It… gets my mind clear because the breeze gets in my hair and it’s… relaxing,”
Trailnet’s First Soiree
In our 35th year we tried something new.. and it was a rousing success!
Trailnet’s inaugural Paving the Way Soiree was a new take on our annual fundraising event—a night for us to celebrate with our friends and supports, to recognize the partners who make our wins possible and to raise a little money.
This year’s event also featured the presentation of our first ever batch of Members, Advocates and Partners (MAP) Awards. We can’t wait to build on this event and celebrate more deserving community leaders in the years to come!
Miles of Smiles at Trailnet Rides
Trailnet’s rides are a big part of how we carry out our mission. Rides provide a safe place for people to have fun on their bikes, meet other active people, explore their community, and make a statement with their presence that our streets are for PEOPLE!
The best part of our rides are the smiles! You can’t help but smile when you’re riding your bike. It’s just fun!
Trailnet is thrilled to welcome two new members to our team!
In anticipation of a jam-packed summer, we decided to bring someone on board who would ensure our events are high-quality, lively and loads of fun… Meet our new Special Events Manager, Gina Otto.
Gina knows how to make an event a spectacle—how to put on a show. From producing her own one-woman, cabaret-style shows to crooning on the local jazz scene, Gina has entertained audiences across the St. Louis area for decades.
“I have been singing since I was a little girl,” said Gina. “My father was a musician, so I grew up around music. I decided when I was in my early 20s that I wanted to have a music career.”
While Gina shines on stage, she has developed plenty of expertise behind the scenes.
In the early 2000s, Gina owned a small production company that hosted a talent competition in the St. Louis area. Later on, she began running a support group for the Festus High School theater dept. She put on workshops, ran events and fundraised in support of the arts in her community.
Through this work, Gina discovered a passion for producing and marketing events. In 2020, Gina’s passion propelled her back to school. This spring, she graduated with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and started putting out feelers for an organization with whom she could do good work for the community.
“I’ve always practiced a healthy lifestyle,” said Gina, “and I am a huge advocate of getting people moving and encouraging others to live healthily.”
We’re excited for Gina to bring her knowledge, energy and years of experience to Trailnet’s lineup of summer 2023 events.
As Trailnet’s events grow and improve with Gina on board, we knew we’d need some help getting the word out. Enter: Monique Roos, our Summer 2023 Marketing & Communications Intern.
Monique was born and raised in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She got her Bachelors in Advertising from UNISINOS – Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos in 2015. After graduating, Monique worked as a copywriter and marketing coordinator for various clients.
In 2022, Monique moved to the United States and began pursuing a Masters in Communications at SLU, where she is currently a graduate research assistant in the Communications department.
Monique brings a massive amount of experience to this role, and we are grateful for her help!
Trailnet is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a 34-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for people of all abilities to get from place to place. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs. Join our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking.
Overview
The Special Events Manager will be responsible for producing high-quality events and donor/member experiences that successfully promote the reputation and mission of Trailnet. The Special Events Manager will plan and execute the Trailnet footprint at all events with varying complexity and scope. These events range from producing the event footprint at Trailnet bike rides with registration and vendor tabling to planning small donor-focused events and an annual gala for 200-300. Reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Development Director and Communications Coordinator. Coordinates with the Rides Team on ride event production.
Key Responsibilities
Develops and manages production timelines and other documents; hosts briefings for staff and partners,
Manages the footprint of Trailnet Classics* including registration, tabling, volunteers, partner recognition, and sponsorship fulfillment and activation (does not include route support/design),
Coordinates closely with Trailnet Ride Team for bike route activation,
Sets the brand standard for all Trailnet events and partner events and ensures activation goes according to plan,
Plans and executes events, including securing venues for development events, communicating with vendors, and developing the run of show,
Manages event communications and event collateral/merchandise in collaboration with Development and Communications team,
Seeks out event feedback, develops surveys, collects evaluation data, handles post-event reports, evaluates outcomes and lessons learned together with staff and updates senior leadership,
Plans events within budget parameters and manages day-to-day budget for each event,
Responds to comments and questions from constituents related to events.
Job Qualifications
Results-orientation: has a track record of achievement and producing results (rather than getting immersed in the process), perseveres despite obstacles.
Project management skills: stays on top of multiple projects, plans backward, anticipates obstacles, engages stakeholders appropriately, and uses resources wisely.
Highly Organized with strong visual organizing skills–must be able to plan an event footprint and use simple software tools to communicate plans to the team.
Expert interpersonal skills: Clear and direct communication that delegates roles and responsibilities fosters teamwork and recognizes efforts. Comfortable being a team player and a team leader.
Racial equity and inclusion experience, skills, and values demonstrated.
Risk management experience, financial acumen, and a hospitality mindset are a plus.
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least three years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Experience and Skills Requirements
A track record of having developed and executed events for three years or more,
Excellent project management and coordination skills,
Expert interpersonal skills, including an articulate communication style,
Solid computer skills and ability to quickly adopt new technology.
A passion for Trailnet’s mission and the ability to convey our mission to various audiences with persuasive communication skills,
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises hourly and event day staff before, during, and after successful event production.
Supervises event day volunteers.
Physical Demands
Be able to lift 30-40 lbs repeatedly and sit, stand, stoop, bend, climb, and reach to set up event footprint items. Event production requires transporting supplies and set-up materials from the warehouse using Trailnet vans and trailers to reach the event location.
Time Commitment
The Special Events Manager’s primary responsibility is producing the footprint at Trailnet Rides. The dates for 2023 rides are established, and candidates should be available for the majority of the dates.
Required Events
April 16th – StG Gravel Classic in Ste. Genevieve, MO
May – Event TBD
June 4th – Uphill Battle
June 17th – Juneteenth Ride
July 9th – I Scream for Ice Cream Ride in Edwardsville, IL
August 13th – Bottleneck Bridge Ride in Festus, MO
September 3th – Giro Della Montagna in St. Louis, MO
September 30th – Ride the Rivers Century in St. Charles, MO
To support these events anticipate pre-production day(s) leading up to the event, very early call times on event days, and long hours on event days. Depending on the event, lodging may be provided for the night before, particularly for events farther from the City of St. Louis.
Compensation
Part-time work from April until December 15. Approximately 20 hours per week or 80-90 hours per month. Hourly pay $23-26 per hour. Position has potential to begin full time work in 2024.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, employment, research, and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members, including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders and seek candidates committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
*The Trailnet Classics are a series of supported, single-day, multi-distanced bike rides around the St. Louis Region. Every ride includes:
Marked routes, maps, and turn-by-turn navigation
Multiple rest stops with water and snacks
Support (SAG) vehicles on the route to assist with basic mechanical and first aid issues
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a brief letter describing their experience and a resume to hr@trailnet.org.
From intern to Programs Director, Taylor March left a lasting impact on Trailnet and the St. Louis region. Now, he is taking his talents to the state level, advocating for better walking and biking across Missouri as the new Executive Director of Missourians for Responsible Transportation.
For eight years, Taylor was the smiling face of Trailnet. It’s only right that we reflect on the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of kindness, knowledge, professionalism and passion.
Taylor’s Journey
Taylor first joined Trailnet as an intern in the winter of 2010, while he was studying environmental engineering at Murray State University. He had worked as a bike mechanic since high school and was an avid environmentalist.
Though he didn’t know it then, Taylor’s passion for Trailnet’s mission (and his handiness with an Allen wrench) would serve the organization for years down the line.
Five years after his internship, having worked for several years as a solar engineer in between, Taylor returned to Trailnet on February 24, 2015 as our Youth Programs Specialist.
In his first full-time role, he led Trailnet’s bike education programs and designed our curriculum for smart cycling. He also worked on a number of Safe Routes to School projects, including one with Froebel Literacy Academy in south city. Taylor worked with Froebel through eight years and a handful of title changes at Trailnet.
“Working with Froebel and seeing that relationship develop and change throughout the years was so satisfying,” said Taylor. “From the walking school bus, to the installation of speed humps on Nebraska Ave., to the Calm Street now under construction on nearby Louisiana Ave… It was really cool to see the community buy in.”
Advocating for Change
Midway through his tenure with Trailnet, Taylor shifted his focus to the advocacy and policy spaces. As a long-time bike commuter, he was a natural advocate for safe, alternative transportation. As a leading expert in bike/ped best practices, he influenced change-makers across the state. And as an exemplary colleague, he fostered relationships that would blossom into our strongest partnerships today. To name a few…
Taylor co-created the annual Juneteenth Community Ride with our partners at 4theVille and grew the ride into a collaboration between the Missouri History Museum, Northside Community Housing and other aligned partners. The event draws over 200 riders each June and celebrates Black music, art, culture and history.
Taylor was part of the team that developed Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan in 2019, which is now 50% funded for construction by partners like GRG and the City of St. Louis.
Taylor spearheaded our state-wide advocacy efforts. In collaboration with BikeWalkKC, Local Motion in Columbia, and Ozark Greenways, he helped create Missourians for Responsible Transportation and Hands-Free Missouri.
The Work Continues
Now, Taylor is off to lead the statewide partnership that he once helped to create. Trailnet looks forward to many more years of collaboration with Taylor and his team at MRT.
“Trailnet will miss him and his careful and precise explanations of the transportation system we are trying to change, his help changing a flat, and his ability to always find time to listen,” said Trailnet CEO Cindy Mense.
For your years of dedication—Thank you, Taylor! Let’s continue to work together to make Missouri better for people outside of cars.
Former Director of The City of St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency joins our growing team!
As Policy Catalyst, Charles will lead Trailnet’s strategic policy and advocacy agenda through coalition-building, community outreach and government relations.
Charles began his career in non-profits, working in services for the unhoused in Baltimore, Maryland. After two years with Catholic Charities in Baltimore, he moved to work with the Illinois Department of Public Aid, where he oversaw federal and state grants for services for the unhoused. Eventually, he moved back to his home state of Missouri, where he worked for the Missouri Housing Development Commission as a proponent for low-income housing tax credit development for six years.
When Mayor Francis Slay was elected in 2001, he called on Charles to work as an advisor in his administration, where he was responsible for developing and implementing the overall neighborhood, ethnic and religious outreach plan for the City. During his time in City Hall, Charles worked with three mayors—as special advisor, Director of Public Safety, and for the last eight years, as the Director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency (CREA), enforcing federal, state and local fair housing, equal employment opportunity and public accommodation laws, rules and regulations, “a job I truly loved,” said Charles.
Charles will start with Trailnet in late June. As our new Policy Catalyst, he has one overarching goal:
“Listen. Listen to what the community is saying. Look at how our policies, procedures and practices can impact the needs of those various communities. Whether it’s black folks feeling underserved by public transit; Whether it’s the LGBTQIA+ community feeling afraid to walk in certain areas at night; Whether signage in our region adequately serves folks who speak English as a second language. The one thing I want to be able to accomplish is to listen to folks and address their needs.”
Charles currently lives downtown, a short walk from the Trailnet offices.
“I live downtown, in part, because I wanted access to public transit. Public transportation is a big deal for me, so I’m excited to see how my passion for transit can factor into this work.”
He also enjoys hiking, and he says he’s getting into biking.
“I’m in walking shape—I walk about 6.7 miles every couple of days through Forest Park—but that doesn’t mean I’m in biking shape. So I’m working on that,” he said with a smile.
We’re excited to have someone with Charles’s passion and experience join our team. Welcome!
Special Project Director for Trailnet’s Protected Bikeways and Sidewalks Master Plan
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a 29-year history of fostering healthy, active and vibrant communities where walking, bicycling and the use of public transit are a way of life.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Special Project Director will lead the master planning process for Trailnet’s vision for a protected bikeway and sidewalk network. The project director will position Trailnet as a trusted regional leader and convener that is committed to an authentic community engagement process that reflects Trailnet’s core values. This 18-month project is high impact and high visibility and will serve as a catalyst spurring momentum for regional change.
The Special Project Director will lead the community engagement process building external relationships necessary to assure project success. The project director will collaborate with Trailnet managers and directors to identify and design strategic marketing and communications to support the project and the organization’s development plan. The Special Project Director works under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Programs for support and collaboration.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Special Project Director collaborates with the Development Officer, Planning Manager and the Education/ Encouragement Program Manager, and supervises interns.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Special Project Director’s primary responsibilities will consist of managing and leading the creation of the Protected Bikeways and Sidewalks vision, including:
Project management of planning process, including managing consultants, staff, and volunteers
Leading the public engagement process, including facilitating committees as they make recommendations for the master plan
Creating content for the master plan
Analyzing, synthesizing, and prioritizing information, including government documents, planning research, news of emerging best practices, and maps
Critically assessing processes, procedures, and recommendations for equity impact and making appropriate recommendations
Working with the Director of Programs to build budget and revenue targets; assemble appropriate staff teams to implement the protected bikeways/sidewalks master planning process
Working with Trailnet leadership to identify new funding sources, pitch projects to potential funders, and cultivate relationships
Leading and assisting with best practice education through workshops and presentations
Recruiting, selecting, and training interns, volunteers, and community advocates as appropriate
Developing content to market and promote the plan for website and social media
Providing administrative support and other duties as needed
Providing technical assistance on fee for service projects as appropriate
Attending select committee meetings and professional development as warranted
REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES
In order to be successful, the Special Project Director will need to exhibit the following attributes:
Process oriented, with the ability to inspire others to buy into the Master Planning Process, and the ability to understand, modify, and build upon the process
Innovative and bold, with the ability to assess when it is appropriate to take risks in advancing Trailnet’s vision and values and the ability to bring new perspectives
Systems oriented, with the ability to think critically and strategically, including long-term initiative development; comfortable with problems
Deep understanding of, and commitment to, equity and inclusion; ability to understand systemic issues and work with the community to address wicked problems
Curious; open to new ideas and continually seeking to improve their practice
Comfortable with conflict and collaboration; able to form diverse partnerships
Ability to embody and articulate Trailnet’s values, including a deep understanding of the Planning Lens guiding the visioning process and commitment to placemaking
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years or more of relevant project management, facilitation and staff supervision experience. A Masters in Urban Planning or Public Policy preferred, but not required. Strong candidates will have experience in urban planning, urban design, community development/organizing, or public policy. AICP and/or CNU-A preferred
Knowledge and familiarity of bicycle and pedestrian facility design, urban design, and equity and planning, and urban planning best practices
Ability to facilitate meetings, organize public events, and work productively with a variety of stakeholders representing different interests
Ability to manage multiple projects with differing deadlines
Ability to work independently and manage self and partners while being a genuine “team player”
Ability to understand and analyze data using descriptive statistics
Ability to work in a fast-moving and at times intense environment
Must be highly computer literate – Google Drive, Microsoft Word, Excel, & PowerPoint required; GIS, InDesign, and Adobe Suite preferred
Must interface with a wide variety of stakeholders from elected officials to community residents
Must be comfortable facilitating meetings, making presentations, and speaking in public settings
Ability to write in a persuasive and clear manner
COMPENSATION
This 18-month contract position offers a salary with a starting range of $45,000 and adjusted to be commensurate with experience, Compensation includes competitive benefits package. Flexible hours, a casual work environment, and an office located close to public transportation, indoor bicycle locker station, and Enterprise Carshare are additional benefits.
HOW TO APPLY?
Qualified applicants should go to this link or copy and paste (https://goo.gl/forms/COGEuzDHw34hKBA23) in browser and submit CONTACT INFORMATION only by February 15. Please give us your email address only. An assessment will be sent out to all applicants on February 16, giving each applicant an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. The assessment will take approximately two hours and the form will close at midnight on February 26. Please do not send letters and resumes. After reviewing the skills assessment, we will contact the top six candidates by March 1 to request resumes and cover letters. Thank you for your interest in Trailnet- we are excited to learn more about each candidate.
Trailnet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.
Trailnet staff recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, where they presented at Pro Walk/Pro Bike/Pro Place, an international conference put on by People for Public Spaces. Below is a Q&A about what Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner Grace Kyung, Director of Policy and Strategy Marielle Brown, and with Trailnet Walk Bike Ambassador Deidre Brown experienced abroad.
What was the best idea you saw in Vancouver, B.C.?
Marielle) Grace and I stayed in a neighborhood north of downtown that had installed a lot of street closures in the 1970s to address crime. As crime went down, they had kept the closures for vehicles, but opened the streets for people by creating Calm Streets, where people can walk and bike safely with very low traffic. On some streets, the closures had been turned into small parks with benches and plants where neighbors could gather. This kept the street grid open for people on foot and on bike and encouraged local walking and biking trips. It made me think of how we can turn our street closures into assets for creating more people-friendly neighborhoods.
Grace) During my visit, one of the best ideas that I saw was how well connected the bicycle transportation network was throughout the city. I was impressed that Vancouver, B.C. focused on creating a strong network throughout the whole city to help people reach their destinations by bike. The city took it a step further because they analyze how many of their facilities are designed for people of all ages and abilities. The below image captures how well the city is focused on this initiative.
Photo credit – City of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada
Further, the city’s approach to build protected bicycle lanes also showed the positive benefits to increase the number of women on bikes. From 2010 to 2015, the number of women biking grew to 40% after a protected bike lane was built.
Deidre) What I like most about Vancouver, is how the city makes cyclists and pedestrians a priority. They performed “road diets” throughout the city in order to slow traffic and allow room for protected bike lanes. I love their use of bike traffic signals, which are like the ones we use for cars. These signals work in conjunction with the regular traffic signals and the pedestrian cross walk signals to protect pedestrians and cyclists. It was such a joy to see so many pedestrians and cyclists take advantage of what the city has provided them. Vancouver is a city that truly puts pedestrians and cyclists first, before cars.
Which community and which projects inspired you most?
M) The energy and ambition of Twin Cities Greenways in Minneapolis is amazing. They are a group of advocates and residents working together to create a car-free corridor for biking and walking in north Minneapolis, where there are no abandoned rails to convert to greenways. The project has been resident-driven from the start and right now they are doing demonstrations to test out different concepts. The greenway will not only improve the quality of life for residents, it will also change what we consider possible for street design in the U.S.
The City of Calgary’s year-long demonstration of a network of protected bikeways was very inspiring. The City decided to test out the idea of protected bikeways by creating a basic network of them downtown using paint, bollards, and other temporary changes. The test has been very successful and Calgary will be working on making the protected bikeways permanent. By demonstrating several connected routes at once, Calgary ensured that their protected bikeways would be useful and highly used.
G) The session that inspired me the most during the conference was “Overcoming Barriers to Bicycling in Communities of Color” by Charles Brown and Robert Schneider. One of the most important takeaways for me was that planners and other professions must acknowledge it is okay to not have all the answers, but important to ask the right questions without making assumptions. Also, we should be giving people of color the microphone and paying them for their time to participate rather than asking them to only volunteer.
D) While in Vancouver, I had an opportunity to take a walking tour of Olympic Village, which is where the athletes stayed during the 2010 Winter Olympics. When Olympic Village was designed, it was designed for everyone. There are a mixture of high-end condominiums and affordable housing, which was a requirement when developing the Village.
There were two things that really impressed me with Olympic Village: One was its mixed-use buildings and the other was how accessible it is for people with mobility challenges. A lot of buildings in Olympic Village were designed as mixed-use buildings with stores and other businesses on street level and apartments on higher levels. It is a self-contained community with everything you need within walking distance of where you live, except a school, which they are in the process of planning.
What is your biggest takeaway from the conference?
M) My biggest takeaway was that St. Louis needs robust public engagement in our land use and transportation decisions. When we allow decisions to be made behind closed doors, we can miss out on important considerations and fail to see new, transformative ideas that can improve the places we live and give us more transportation options. When we work together as a community to address problems and test out solutions, it helps build consensus around projects and get people excited for improving their neighborhoods, rather than being leery of any change.
G) The biggest takeaway from the conference for me was that Trailnet is doing great work, but can continue to improve as leaders in our community. In my role at Trailnet, I focus on creating more livable, vibrant, healthy communities. As a planner, and I would like to expand on this perspective by working with city and community stakeholders to build better cross-sector collaborations. In my role, I need to think about ways I can work to continue to build capacity throughout the city, and find better ways for Trailnet to partner with neighborhoods to form a collective vision.
D) My biggest takeaway was that if we are going to make St. Louis a more livable city, we have to have buy-in from everyone; from the elected officials to the residents. We must involve the people who live, work, play, attend schools; the people who make it a community. It has to be a collaboration. When you include the people of the community, it gives them a sense of ownership, a sense of pride in knowing that they are a part of what is going on in their community and in knowing that their voice matters.
Furthermore, we must change our way of thinking when it comes to planning and designing new communities as well as making changes to existing communities. We must make pedestrians and biyclists a priority over cars.
Trailnet welcomes new bicycle and pedestrian planner
The Plan4Health grant has brought excitement and new energy to Trailnet’s planning division by allowing us bring on some new talent. We’re excited to announce Grace Kyung has joined the Trailnet team as our new Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner. She comes to Trailnet from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where she earned master’s degrees in public health and urban planning from the University of Illinois.
Grace has a strong passion for active forms of transportation and is an avid bicycle commuter. Aside from being a cost-effective approach to city travel, Grace says she appreciates how riding gives her a lay of the land in St. Louis. She added that riding her bike around the city has given her a helpful lens with which to see various neighborhoods connect with locals. Grace hopes through working on the Plan4Health grant, she can help Trailnet demonstrate effective traffic calming approaches to increase the safety and health of the region’s communities.
Welcome Grace!
For more information about Plan4Health, please contact Grace Kyung at grace@trailnet.org or 314-436-1324 x 110.
New Executive Director, Ralph Pfremmer Shares Excitement for 2015
In my first few weeks as executive director at Trailnet, I am becoming even more familiar with the workings of this terrific local advocacy organization. Through a wide range of programs that encourage and support bicycling, walking, and the use of public transit,Trailnet has made an impact on communities throughout the St. Louis region. The spirit and passion I’ve witnessed in the Trailnet staff represents the leadership and expertise needed for comprehensive impact in our region. I am thrilled to be part of such a professional, talented and mission-driven team. With your support, we will expand our healthy, active initiatives and advocacy efforts to create safe streets for everyone and a more livable St. Louis.
I have already had the pleasure of meeting with a few of our partner organizations – Great Rivers Greenway, East-West Gateway, Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, MoDOT, St. Louis City, St. Louis County . . . We are fortunate to have these regional partnerships that are so critical in leveraging for a more livable St. Louis. Each organization plays a unique and innovative role in this important work. With focused collaboration, we will develop and advance shared goals that will help the region grow. I look forward to fostering current relationships and building new ones that will effectively bring about positive change within our region.
As we plan for 2015, we will maintain our role as an advocate for you – the pedestrian crossing the street doing daily errands, the bicyclist commuting to work, and the transit user boarding MetroLink for a festival in Forest Park. Trailnet will continue to be your voice for vibrant communities where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life.
Ralph Pfremmer, Executive Director
Ralph Pfremmer is Trailnet’s new Executive Director. After a nation-wide search, Trailnet’s Board of Directors selected Ralph and announced that he would begin his duties in October 2014. Ralph is eager to promote Trailnet’s programs, planning, and advocacy efforts with his skills as an innovator and entrepreneur. As a personal advocate for health and wellness, Ralph considers Trailnet’s mission to be one that is not only compelling, but also life-changing for communities and individuals alike. He believes his gifts of motivation and promotion that he has honed in the business world will advance Trailnet’s mission and visibility in the region.
Ralph embraces the benefits of an active lifestyle. He joined the cycling community after a health scare in 1998 that motivated him to incorporate exercise into his daily routine and begin a healthier way of life. For several years Ralph competed in amateur road, mountain, and cyclocross races across the nation, however now his cycling is mainly for recreation and commuting.
Prior to his position at Trailnet, Ralph was the CEO and founder of Pfoodman Holdings, a multi-unit food service management company serving education, business/retail, and senior living sectors. He used active living and sustainability as a platform for business development, promoting his company’s culture by establishing a unique presence in communities. The company promoted and managed active living events throughout the year, partnering with many causes as part of their unique marketing process.
Ralph begins his position at Trailnet with enthusiasm. He is excited to collaborate and build relationships as a new leader in the non-profit sector. Driven by a personal connection to the mission, he recognizes the possibilities to further the organization’s efforts and to inspire walking, biking, and the use of public transit throughout the St. Louis region.
Grace has a strong passion for active forms of transportation and is an avid bicycle commuter. Aside from being a cost-effective approach to city travel, Grace says she appreciates how riding gives her a lay of the land in St. Louis. She added that riding her bike around the city has given her a helpful lens with which to see various neighborhoods connect with locals. Grace hopes through working on the Plan4Health grant, she can help Trailnet demonstrate effective traffic calming approaches to increase the safety and health of the region’s communities.