The streets are our largest public space. People riding bicycles and driving cars should be held accountable for following the rules of the road and ensuring that the streets are for everyone.
Summary of Missouri Bicycle Laws:
Bicycles are vehicles under Missouri law (307.180) and cyclists have the same rights and duties as operators of other vehicles (307.188)
Cyclists shall ride as far right as is safe except when making a left turn, when avoiding hazardous conditions, when the lane is too narrow to share with another vehicle, or when on a one-way street (307.190)
Cyclists may ride abreast when not blocking other vehicles (307.190)
Cyclists may ride on the shoulder of the road, but are not required to (307.191)
Cyclists shall ride in the same direction as traffic (307.191)
Cyclists shall signal when turning (307.192)
Bicycles shall be equipped with brakes (307.183), a white front light, and a rear red light or reflector (307.185)
Motor vehicles shall not park or idle in bicycle lanes (303.330)
Operators of motor vehicles shall maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists (300.347)
Cyclists shall not use the sidewalk in a business district (300.347)
If a red light does not change for a completely stopped cyclist after a reasonable time, the cyclist may proceed if there is no approaching traffic (304.285)
For a more comprehensive list of Missouri Bicycle Laws click here.
Saturday, June 29 started off cloudy and followed a rainstorm so the pavement was still damp when this classic Trailnet BFC ride started. The temperature was warm, in the mid-70’s, and the humidity was high.
Many eager riders arrived before 7:00 ready to roll but were held off until about 7:20. It seems like arriving early is the new “fashionably late.”
Turnout was excellent, with more than 500 riders of all ages and biking experience. The parking lot at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was filled to capacity. We created four routes ranging from 20 to 65 miles so there was something for everyone. Riders of all routes went to Wilson Park in Granite City for their first stop. That stop was staffed by great Bike MS volunteers who provided snacks for the riders. The middle, long and extra long routes went out to Horseshoe Lake State Park for the next rest stop. That is a quiet and scenic oasis in the middle of urban Metro East. The long routes then went on to Edwardsville and our friends at Sacred Grounds for another tasty rest stop. The extra long riders had their final stop at the Confluence Tower in Hartford, IL.
All routes crossed the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and ended up at the famous Birthday Bash. At the bash riders were treated to live music from Generation Gap, hot dogs from Roger’s Hot Diggity Dogs, lunch from Steamroller Bagel, and three special micro brews from Square One Brewery. For dessert there was outstanding birthday cake from The Cakery and always-delicious frozen custard from Ted Drewes.
Even though the clouds looked ominous at times throughout the day, not a drop fell on any part of the ride or party.
Kirkwood Planning Advisory Committee Meeting 2 Summary and Documents
The second Kirkwood Planning Advisory Committee meeting was held on Monday, June 23, 2014 at Kirkwood City Hall. The summary of the meeting, along with the presentation and handouts can be downloaded below:
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Marielle Brown at marielle@trailnet.org or 314.436.1324 x115.
More places to park your bike
A project begun in 2007 by the St. Louis Bike Federation (which merged with Trailnet in 2011), that won a federal grant to manufacture and place bike racks throughout the St. Louis region, is complete. This project included a design competition, and the winning design is the origin of the iconic arch bike rack that has been installed widely throughout the region.
You will notice from the photo below that the racks manufactured for this project are not silver like the ones you’ve probably seen; they are black to meet historic design criteria.
Many thanks go to the William A. Kerr Foundation and REI for their generous grants that provided the “match funds” the St. Louis Bike Federation and Trailnet needed to leverage the federal grants to complete the project.
Most of the bike racks manufactured for this project have been installed so keep an eye out. They can be found as far north as Bellefontaine Neighbors and as far west as Fenton – and at many locations in between.
Arch Women: Celebrating and empowering women on two wheels
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.
This Week: MoDOT Meetings for Proposed $6.1B Sales Tax
On August 5, Missourians will vote on a proposed $6.1 billion sales tax for transportation. MoDOT created a master list of priority projects to be included on the ballot for the 3/4-cent sales tax, and are holding open houses this week to gather public comment. The word “bicycle” was not included anywhere in the list; MoDOT opted for “non-motorized” instead.
Trailnet submitted a priority list to MoDOT and East West Gateway to inform the MoDOT list. Our priority list was based on over 700 results from a 2013 survey that asked residents to identify priority bike/ped projects. These results were combined with input from institutional partners for Trailnet’s final list. Few made it onto MoDOTS’s list.
MoDOT surveyed over 12,000 Missourians as part of the Missouri on the Move listening sessions, who clearly indicated that the priority is on maintaining, not expanding, the existing system:
(You can view a larger version of this image by clicking on it and hitting the back button to return to this blog post.)
MoDOT’s project list does not reflect the priorities of Missourians.
Please attend one of the meetings this week and ask MoDOT to include walking, biking, and transit projects that will move our region forward.
Tuesday, June 17
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
University of Missouri – St. Louis
Millennium Student Center
1 University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, June 18
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
St. Louis Public Library
1301 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO
Thursday, June 19
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
St. Charles Community College
College Center Rotunda
Cottleville, MO
Summary of Missouri Bicycle Laws:
