June has been an eventful month for women on bikes!
On the 18th, Trailnet was pleased to present a highly successful Arch Women: Bicycle DIY Night! Eighteen women from all walks of life came out, rolled up their sleeves, and showed their bikes who’s boss. Local non-profit Perennial not only hosted the event, but also led us through bike-themed craft projects, including bike safety flags made out of felt and wire hangers, and carrying pouches to stash our essentials between destinations made from old sweaters and belts. On the other side of the room, lady mechanics from the Trek Bicycle Stores of St. Louis walked us through how to change a flat tire and how to keep our bikes squeaky clean.
To round out our hands-on activities, Trailnet also brought our demo MetroBus rack so everyone could take a shot at loading their bike onto a bus– all who tried it agreed it’s a snap! Someone even said, “So… That’s it? Really?!”
To top it all off, we enjoyed snacks catered from Lulu’s Local Eatery, as well as beer and wine.
A week later on the 25th, the Ballwin Trek store hosted a Ladies’ Night, featuring women’s clothing, products, apparel, and even held a raffle for a brand new racing kit. Trailnet was there, serving up margaritas fresh from the bike-powered blender.
Mark your calendars now for our September 10th event–Arch Women: A Pedal-Powered Movement. We’ll be discussing bicycling, equity, and the barriers women experience when it comes to active transportation– and what we can do to eliminate them.
Shared Lane Markings are not bicycle facilities, they are pavement markings for designating shared space on low-traffic and low-speed routes. Currently, the Bicycle Friendly Community Application requires communities to report the number of separated facilities on arterials, as shared space is not safe or comfortable when cars are traveling fast. Using Shared Lane Markings on higher speed and higher traffic routes eliminates their value for wayfinding on low-stress routes.
Appropriate Contexts for Shared Lane Markings
Shared Lane Markings are used to mark mixed traffic facilities, where people driving and biking share the street. This type of facility is comfortable for a mainstream adult population when:
the speed differential is low. NACTO recommends 25 mph or less design speed for using shared lane markings (“Urban Bikeway Design Guide” 181)
there is no centerline in the street, thereby directing ALL users to share the space (“Low Stress Bicycling” 21)
Following these two guidelines implies:
shared lane markings are not appropriate on streets with ADT over 4,000, as traffic tends to channelize into two lanes at that threshold, regardless of markings (“Low Stress Bicycling” 21)
shared lane markings are not appropriate on streets with more than one lane in each direction, as such streets require markings
traffic calming devices should be used when the design speed of a road is over 25 mph
When Shared Lane Markings are used, the placement should follow NACTO recommendations to ensure that they encourage proper lane position for bicyclists, outside of the door zone. Markings should be placed frequently enough to provide wayfinding for cyclists.
Shared Lane Markings and Wayfinding
Shared Lane Markings are invaluable as wayfinding to guide bicyclists along low-stress routes. They are an essential part of Calm Streets design. When Shared Lane Markings are used on higher traffic and higher speed roads, users cannot rely on the markings to guide them along low stress routes. Where shared lane markings are used because of constrained right-of-way, centerline markings should not be used and traffic diversion should be used as appropriate to ensure ADT under 4,000. If these measures are not practical, advisory bicycle lanes or road diets should be considered instead.
The orientation of the chevron in a shared lane marking can be changed to indicate wayfinding. This design is used in many cities and is included in the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide (180). Such modified shared lane markings should be used to indicate turns in low-stress routes. Though it has not yet been included in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, modified chevrons are used as a best practice throughout the country without controversy.
Shared Lane Markings and Network Design
Bicycle facilities and markings should be designed to reduce traffic stress to a level that will be tolerated by the mainstream adult population (LTS 2 as defined in the “Low Stress Bicycling Network Connectivity Report” published by the Mineta Transportation Institute). When facilities are designed to be comfortable for only a minority of the population, society and most individuals miss out on the benefits of cycling, including better health, reduced traffic congestion, and improved air quality.
Designing infrastructure on minimum standards creates the risk that the project will be outdated when standards change. Bicycle planning and design is a rapidly changing field, with standards increasingly favoring separation. Current projects should look to emerging best practices, to ensure that they are within guidelines for years to come.
Shared Lane Markings and Safety
Shared Lane Markings have the potential to inform road users of proper bicycle lane positioning and to alert drivers to the presence of cyclists. In 2010, the Federal Highways Administration evaluated the operating effects of shared lane markings, using 2-lane, 4-lane, and 5-lane roads. The study found that correctly placed shared lane markings increased operating space for bicyclists, and reduced sidewalk riding. The study focused on operating characteristics, not crash frequency (“Evaluation of Shared Lane Markings” 75).
In 2012, a case-crossover study looking at crashes and infrastructure type found no significant decrease in risk for major streets with shared lane markings. The researchers defined major streets as those with marked centerlines. In contrast, local streets without marked centerlines, had a significant and large decrease in crash risk (Teshcke et al. 2340) The findings underline the importance of wayfinding along local streets without marked centerlines.
Works Cited:
Mekuria, Maaza C., Peter G. Furth, and Hilary Nixon. Low-stress Bicycling and Network Connectivity. Rep. no. 11-19. San Jose, CA: Mineta Transportation Institute, 2012.
Teschke, Kay, and Et Al. “Route Infrastructure and the Risk of Injuries to Bicyclists: A Case-Crossover Study.” American Journal of Public Health 102.12 (2012): 2336-343.
Urban Bikeway Design Guide. New York: National Association of City Transportation Officials, 2012.
U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highways Administration. Evaluating Shared Lane Markings. FHWA-HRT-10-041. McLean, Virginia: Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center, 2010.
Recap of new ride: the Cottleville Country Classic
The new Cottleville Country Classic had a fantastic first run. It will truly become a classic ride for Trailnet’s Bicycle Fun Club BFC).
Registration was held at the centrally located Red Barn in Cottleville. It was a great location that seemed to be specifically set up for events like ours, that is, we found it complete with bike racks. It is an iconic structure that defines Cottleville. At registration the local confectionery/wine bar/restaurant VB Chocolate Bar was on hand with free iced coffee and some amazing cinnamon rolls and muffins.
About 350 riders turned out – a great number for a new ride, and we are happy to say we signed up a good number of new members. Riders had three routes to choose from – all featured scenic roads not often used for BFC rides. All routes went to the old town of St. Paul and visited the historic Dog Prairie Tavern for a rest stop. On the way they were able to take in the views of St. Paul Catholic Church built in 1898 from local limestone. Medium and Long route riders were able to view Lake St. Louis on their way back.
On June 21, Trailnet hosted our first ever bicycle-powered bakery tour, “Bakeries on the Rise.” The day was slightly overcast, offering a reprieve from the hot summer sun, with a slight breeze all morning. Conditions were prime for a ride– and 94 people (!) of all ages came out for this 8-mile South City ride.
We began our quest for pastries at Whisk: A Sustainable Bake Shop. Owner and baker extraordinaire Kaylen Wissinger offered up some cookie samples, as well as a little history on her Cherokee Street storefront. We then made our way through Dutchtown, across Grand, and into the South Town neighborhood to visit the Companion Earlybird Outlet. Only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this hidden gem is a great place for anyone on a budget who wants top-notch breads and pastries. From here we crested a great BIG hill (whew!) into the Tower Grove South neighborhood and then turned into Tower Grove East, where we visited the brand new Grove East Provisions and Red Fox Baking and Catering. Proprietor Barry Kinder told us all about the process behind building a wood-fired brick oven, and how Red Fox and Grove East Provisions came to enter a neighborhood cornershop partnership. Our final stop took us back to Cherokee Street, where we paid a visit to Black Bear Bakery, which is operated as a cooperative establishment.
Many riders said that we visited places they had either never heard of, or had been meaning to try for some time. We saw bike baskets and panniers filled with loaves of bread, bagels, and sweets to take home, and heard plenty of riders saying they will be back to visit these local businesses again soon!
Thank you to Great Rivers Greenway District and Enterprise Holdings Foundation who provided funding for this ride, and to everyone who came out, supported local business, and learned some new bicycling routes through the city. Special thanks also to the participating bakeries who welcomed our riders with great service and plenty of delicious treats to choose from. Life is sweet when you’re two-wheeled in St. Louis!
Trailnet Calls on City to Eliminate Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities
Death and injury in any form are unacceptable. Our city is often focused on violent crime, rightfully so. But this conversation ignores another major contributor to deaths and injuries – traffic violence.
From 2009-2012, 49 people were killed while walking or biking and 1,496 were injured. This is more than one person a day hit by a car while walking or biking in St. Louis City. Another fatal crash occurred on Friday, killing a bicyclist in full reflective gear. These traffic deaths are preventable and can be eliminated by prioritizing people on foot and bicycle, the most vulnerable users of the road.
Mayor Slay has made it a focus of his administration to make St. Louis more walkable and bikeable, but without a multi-sector action plan and strict enforcement of traffic violations this will not be accomplished.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has continually named St. Louis as a Pedestrian Focus City, because the rate of drivers hitting pedestrians is so high. Thirty-six percent of city traffic deaths are pedestrians.
The City of St. Louis must get serious about keeping residents safe and make a commitment to the people of this city. In order to achieve a walkable and bikeable city, eliminating injuries and deaths must be a measurable part of the City’s Sustainability Plan and include the Departments of Streets, Health, and Public Works.
There are two main ways to decrease traffic crashes: change the behavior of the people using the road, and change the physical engineering of the road.
At minimum, Trailnet urges the City to:
Set a goal to eliminate pedestrian and bicycle fatalities (e.g. Zero fatalities by 2019)
Increase enforcement of traffic violations that injure and kill people: speeding, running red lights, turning violations, and running stop signs
Hire a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with the expertise to design and implement safer streets for people walking and biking
Set a plan to:
Begin utilizing FHWA recommended traffic calming measures such as high visibility crosswalks, speed bumps and roundabouts
Update and adopt the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
Pass policies to create safer streets such as no texting while driving
Zero is the only acceptable number. If you live, work or play in the City of St. Louis, call Mayor Slay today at 314-622-3201 and ask him to set a timeline to eliminate pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.
Concerned cyclists will gather next Monday, June 30at 8 a.m. in front of City Hall at the Tucker Street entrance to ask for safer streets.
About 400 cyclists lucked out with a beautiful day for a bike ride. The temperature started off in the low 50s with clear blue skies and no wind. As a pre-ride warm-up, cyclists enjoyed Mississippi Mud coffee brewed and provided by Sacred Grounds in Edwardsville. Biking on roads that were once part of old Highway 66 and on sections of the Madison County Trails, cyclists viewed many original iconic Route 66 buildings. Cyclists on the long route had the opportunity to visit the Mother Jones Monument and a rest stop at the historic Soulsby’s Shell Station in Mount Olive. After the ride, the annual Route 66 Festival was just a short walk away in the Edwardsville City Park.
Funded, in part, by The Great Rivers Greenway District
Sunday, June 15, 2014
This year’s city tour was scheduled on Father’s Day at the request of our Bike Shop sponsor, South Side Cyclery. This year the updated route took riders on a bi-state sojourn crossing into Illinois on the Eads Bridge and back into Missouri on the McKinley Bridge. Of the 150+ cyclists, many had never ridden on either bridge. Once in Illinois cyclists were routed into the oldest African American incorporated town in the US, Brooklyn. Another new treat for this year’s Bike St. Louis City Tour was a private ride through Bellefontaine Cemetery. Cyclists entered the cemetery through the Amaranth Gate (closed to public) and were greeted by a group of volunteers who shared insider information on some of the highlights.
Leaving the cemetery, the first rest stop was at “Mr. Bumpy Face,” St. Louis’ velodrome. If desired, riders could do laps on the track. The rest stop was staffed with great snacks from our friends at Bike MS. From there, cyclists toured some of the beautiful old homes of North City, the commerce of Euclid Avenue, and a trip around the Cathedral Basilica. Cyclists continued on the routes as they split with the long and medium routes going through Forest Park, stopping at Parker’s Table for rest and recharge. The long route then continued south through Tower Grove and Carondelet Parks before finishing. The short route visited Lafayette Park while the medium cruised Cherokee before returning.
Returning cyclists were treated to flagship brews from Urban Chestnut- Zwickel and Winged Nut- along with Gus’ Pretzels and Roger’s Hot Diggity Dogs.
This map was developed by Trailnet in partnership with Tower Grove neighborhoods to help residents and visitors get to and from destinations in the neighborhood by bicycle or bus.
The map shows routes for Beginner Riders and Experienced Riders. The Beginner routes are generally on lower-traffic streets with slower vehicles. The Experienced routes are typically higher traffic, but may include bike lanes.
Funding for this project was provided in part by The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). MFH is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves.
Trailnet thanks MFH and the alderpeople and neighborhood associations of the area this map serves.
This map was developed by Trailnet in partnership with the Dutchtown Neighborhood to help residents and visitors get to and from destinations in the neighborhood by bicycle or bus.
The map shows routes for Beginner Riders and Experienced Riders. The Beginner routes are generally on lower-traffic streets with slower vehicles. The Experienced routes are typically higher traffic, but may include bike lanes. In addition to the large scale neighborhood map, smaller maps with routes to downtown and midtown are included.
Funding for this project was provided in part by The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). MFH is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves.
Trailnet thanks MFH and the alderpeople and neighborhood associations of the area this map serves.
Click on the map to download a pdf.
Re-cap of June 5 Bike Smart class at the Salvation Army on Arsenal
Three enthusiastic cyclists participated in Trailnet’s Bike Smart class at the Salvation Army on June 5. The class was led by two League of American Bicyclists certified instructors. Topics covered included helmet and bike fitting, basic bike maintenance, and Missouri traffic law that applies to cyclists. Drills that covered effective starting, braking, shifting, and bike handling were followed by a ride to nearby Benton Park.
If you want to feel more confident riding on the road, learn more about how your bike works, and use your bike more and your car less, join us for one of our classes at the Salvation Army, 2740 Arsenal. They are FREE and open to all – every Thursday in June from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Go to https://trailnet.org/calendar/trailnet-bike-smart-class-3-2014-06-12/ for more information and to sign up.
About 400 cyclists lucked out with a beautiful day for a bike ride. The temperature started off in the low 50s with clear blue skies and no wind. As a pre-ride warm-up, cyclists enjoyed Mississippi Mud coffee brewed and provided by Sacred Grounds in Edwardsville. Biking on roads that were once part of old Highway 66 and on sections of the Madison County Trails, cyclists viewed many original iconic Route 66 buildings. Cyclists on the long route had the opportunity to visit the Mother Jones Monument and a rest stop at the historic Soulsby’s Shell Station in Mount Olive. After the ride, the annual Route 66 Festival was just a short walk away in the Edwardsville City Park.
Leaving the cemetery, the first rest stop was at “Mr. Bumpy Face,” St. Louis’ velodrome. If desired, riders could do laps on the track. The rest stop was staffed with great snacks from our friends at Bike MS. From there, cyclists toured some of the beautiful old homes of North City, the commerce of Euclid Avenue, and a trip around the Cathedral Basilica. Cyclists continued on the routes as they split with the long and medium routes going through Forest Park, stopping at Parker’s Table for rest and recharge. The long route then continued south through Tower Grove and Carondelet Parks before finishing. The short route visited Lafayette Park while the medium cruised Cherokee before returning.
