Ann Crowe took up bicycling while living in Washington, D.C., where an extensive network of cycling paths made commuting by bike a convenient way to incorporate exercise into her daily routine. Ann moved to St. Louis to be closer to family and to pursue work in engineering. After deciding to make a career change, Ann began volunteering at Trailnet rides and fundraising events while completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her volunteer activities allow her to “meet many new people and see different parts of the city and surrounding areas,” she says.
Ann’s volunteer experience introduced her to a “warm and welcoming community,” and she believes that a “shared love of biking provides common ground” for people that participate in Trailnet events. Ann’s husband Vance now joins her on many of the weekend rides, which she credits with giving him “the same confidence and passion for cycling and health” that is so important to her.
As a physical therapist, Ann understands the critical importance of regular exercise for maintaining health and recovering from injury. She notes the abundance of research supporting the positive impact of exercise on mood and overall health, and sees evidence of these effects at Trailnet events. “It only takes a morning at a Trailnet ride to see this come to life in the laughter, support and friendships created through group exercise,” she says.
Even with many years of experience as a bike commuter and recreational cyclist, Ann is aware that for many people concerns about safety may mean that they don’t bike or walk if no specific infrastructure exists. She is committed to building a community where more people have access to the benefits of active transportation. “Having a network of safe and connected bikeways and sidewalks will make biking and walking easier and available to more people,” she says. She also predicts that “as more people use the bikeways and sidewalks, they will feel personally invested in supporting the growth of this network.”
In addition to volunteering time to Trailnet, Ann and Vance are Trailnet Peloton members, providing financial support for the protected bikeway vision. They strongly believe in “dedicating personal efforts and resources to build infrastructure that empowers communities.”
Ann and Vance also feel that positive change will come to St. Louis only if individuals take the initiative. “Whatever challenges we face, the best way to identify problems and solutions is to get personally involved, seeing the community by biking on the roads and paths, meeting our neighbors, visiting and supporting local businesses. Trailnet gives us the opportunity to come together as individuals and make our city healthier and more interesting, with access and opportunity for everyone to enjoy a more active lifestyle.”
Sixty years ago, the League of American Bicyclists designated the month of May as National Bike Month. This is a perfect time to celebrate the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more folks to give biking a try.
Here at Trailnet, we’ll be celebrating bikes all month long with a Shift Your Commute May Challenge, with National Bike to Work Day, and by giving away this great Electra Cruiser to the lucky winner of our bike raffle. This 7-speed classic aluminum cruiser features a step-through frame, twist shifter, fenders, a comfy seat, and balloon tires.
Here’s how you can enter to win:
donate $25 or more to Trailnet on Give STL Day, May 3rd
buy raffle tickets online, by phone, or at Trailnet events
The drawing will be held on June 1st. Spend the Summer cruising around town on your new wheels!
For information or to buy tickets by phone, contact Carol Schmidt at (314) 436-1324 ext. 103 or carol@trailnet.org.
Thanks to for the generous donation of the bike.
Trailnet moving to email renewal reminders
In April, Trailnet will start sending membership renewal reminders by email instead of snail mail. For those members who have shared their email with Trailnet, the first reminder will be sent to you just prior to the month of expiration. The notification will include a link to Trailnet’s renewal webpage for easy payment. Second reminders will also be sent via e-mail.
“This new procedure is in response to requests from our members to make it easier and quicker to renew,” says Carol Schmidt, Membership Manager. “It will save paper, postage, and renewal processing time. This procedure is in line with the national trend of online membership donations to nonprofits.”
For members who have not provided an email address or have opted out of Trailnet’s email system, renewal letters will be mailed. Trailnet uses the secure PayPal website to process online donations. A PayPal account is not required to make a membership payment., Members can also mail in checks or call Carol directly to pay via credit card.
Ralph Pfremmer, Executive Director, adds: “ We believe this new system will streamline the process. Membership donations provide vital funds to enhance our vision to make walking and biking a way of life in St. Louis.”
If you have any questions, comments, or need to update your email address contact Carol at 314.436.1324 x103 or carol@trailnet.org.
Trailnet Launches Business Membership Program
Trailnet has launched a new Business Membership Program offering businesses the opportunity to support positive change in their community. The investment Trailnet receives from its business members will lead to innovative partnerships focused on making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region.
Executive Director Ralph Pfremmer says: “In a perfect world, collaboration is abundant, everyone is included and transparency is the standard. The Trailnet Business Member understands that together we can foster a quality of life that supports a prosperous, healthy region.”
Did you know…
“People who bike to businesses tend to spend more per month than those who drive there.”
-Protected Bike Lanes Mean Businesses
“Cites that invest in biking infrastructure are going to win.”
-Jeff Judge, General Manager of Signal Engage in Chicago
“Roadway projects that include walking and biking infrastructure create more jobs every $1 million spent”
-Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: A National Study of Employment Impacts (2011)
“Higher levels of walkability are often directly linked to higher home values.”
-Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Housing Values in U.S. Cities
The Business Membership Program offers several levels of support. Each level receives a broad range of benefits to engage the company and its employees in Trailnet’s mission and programs and provides ongoing recognition of the business and its collaboration with Trailnet.
To view the Business Membership levels and benefits, see the Program Description.
To discuss the program further, to join, or to nominate your company as a potential business member, please contact Kay Barnes, Development Director – 314.436.4324 x104 or kbarnes@trailnet.org.
Ann’s volunteer experience introduced her to a “warm and welcoming community,” and she believes that a “shared love of biking provides common ground” for people that participate in Trailnet events. Ann’s husband Vance now joins her on many of the weekend rides, which she credits with giving him “the same confidence and passion for cycling and health” that is so important to her.
