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.
Generally a child should be at least 10 years old before being allowed to ride in the street, especially without parental supervision. However you should never allow your child to ride on the road without going over the basic bicycle skills together and assessing your child’s ability to react thoughtfully to vehicular traffic.
What are the basic bicycle rules I should teach my child?
Which car do I get in with my bike on MetroLink trains?
Passengers 13 or older, and children accompanied by an adult, are welcome to bring their bicycle onboard MetroLink. Wait until all other passengers have boarded or exited the train, and enter the train at the rear door of the first train car or the front or rear door of the second train car. Two bicycles are permitted in each area. If a train is too crowded, you may have to wait for the next train before boarding with your bicycle.
While onboard MetroLink, please stand with your bicycle. Do not leave your bicycle unattended or put it on its kickstand. For more information, click here.
How do I dress for a ride?
You don’t need any special gear or clothing to go for a bike ride. Jeans and a t-shirt, a dress and heels– you can get started in anything. Short trips can easily be reached in whatever you would wear normally.
Of course, you can’t control the weather. If it’s especially hot, you can either carry a small towel or a change of clothes to freshen up in no time once you reach your destination. In the fall and winter months, layering is key. Even though it’s cold, you can still work up a sweat, so strive for moisture-wicking fabrics like spandex or merino wool.
For longer, more strenuous rides a shirt made from performance fabric and padded shorts are a must. The shirt will wick the sweat and make your ride cooler. The shorts will prevent “saddle sores” and reduce chafing.
How many people bike in St. Louis?
One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of investments in these modes, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.
Each year in September, Trailnet takes part in a Bicycle and Pedestrian Count in attempts to provide some documentation.
How do I find other riders?
There are many ways to meet other riders in the St. Louis region.
Join one of Trailnet’s scheduled rides. Before most Bicycle Fun Club rides, there is a “no-drop” group ride on the short route that starts at 8:30 a.m. You can also meet new riders on Community Rides, low-stress group rides that highlights gems of St. Louis.
Attend a Trailnet event to meet others interested in biking in St. Louis
Strike up conversations with your co-workers; if you ride your bike to work, leave your helmet hanging on your coat hook, and speak up about issues like bike parking and shower facilities at your workplace as a way to start a conversation.
Properly fitted helmets are strongly recommended and are required by law in some of the communities in which we ride. Please bring at least one full water bottle or hydration pack. 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 SAG vehicle. However, you may take our rides without any special equipment; just be sure your bike is in safe working order. Trailers and trail-a-bikes for kids are welcome, but please, no training wheels.
SAG
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.
Maps and Arrows
Maps are offered at ride registration and show route options, towns, attractions, and rest stops. Look for the pink arrows and dots on the pavement to show you which way to go. Maps are not available ahead of time. Map preparation is time-intensive and our maps are created for an event experience. ROUTES 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, just a few steep
Big – some hills over 150 feet
Very hilly – many hills over 150 feet
Registration
Preregistration is available online at trailnet.org or you can register at the starting location on the day of most BFC rides (exceptions are noted). Online registration closes two days prior to the ride. Preregistered riders need to check in at the ride start to get their map and wrist band. Advanced registration for the Ride the Rivers Century Ride is recommended.
Wrist Bands
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.
Price
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. Visit participating bike shop sponsors for a free coupon good for $3 off the ride. Coupons are limited, available beginning March 10 and while supplies last.
Group Rides
Before most BFC rides there is a “no-drop” group ride on the short route that starts at 8:30 a.m.
