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.
If it’s lightening when it’s time to ride and walk, then we will not go. The Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum will be open for our gathering so please join us there if the weather prohibits the ride and walk.
Trailnet will be tabling at the Tower Grove Better Block event on Morganford this Saturday from 12-4 . Better Blocks are day long events that use vacant or abandoned spaces as a platform to revitalize streets, helping communities imagine new possibilities. Walking and biking amenities are put in, and pop-up businesses appear for a day.
After fourteen years at Trailnet, eight of them as the executive director, I have made the decision to leave Trailnet to seize a wonderful adventure and opportunity. I will remain Trailnet’s biggest fan, but will be channeling my energy and using much of what I have learned throughout my career to build a company with my husband, David.
This is a bittersweet announcement for me – a sadness to leave such a dynamic organization, but a thrilling time in my life. Trailnet’s 26 years of focused work has benefited our entire region, and I am especially proud of these particular accomplishments carried out during my tenure:
A strategic shift for Trailnet, from trail building and capital projects to our current focus on policy, planning and programming, was successfully implemented.
Our staff has grown to 21 and includes transportation planners, design and communication experts, advocacy specialists, bike and youth program educators and, of course, bicycle event planners.
We have secured federal funding to develop bike/pedestrian master plans for 29 local communities.
We spearheaded a successful re-location campaign to our current downtown office at 411 North Tenth Street, co-locating with St. Louis’ Downtown Bicycle Station.
Our leadership role in elevating the proposed South County Connector conversation and technical assistance for Complete Streets in St. Louis City and St. Louis County have created increased public awareness of and accommodations for non-motorized traffic.
I will be working closely with the Trailnet board of directors as they launch a national search for my replacement. I am looking forward to a smooth transition sometime this fall. In fact – hold the date for our second annual Ped-a-Palooza on October 17. We plan to use that party as a celebration of my years partnering with you, and as a hearty welcome to Trailnet’s new leader.
We are fortunate to have an incredibly competent staff diligently working for a more livable St. Louis. Rest assured that I will forever be a champion of Trailnet activities in the region. Thank you for your generous support and for everything you have done to bring such joy to my work. It has been a privilege representing you when bikeability and walkability issues are at stake.
In fact, those are the very issues that elected officials will be focused on Monday, April 7 at Bike Ped Day at the Missouri Capitol. Please consider joining us and other advocates – a Trailnet van will be leaving St. Louis at 8:00 a.m. and returning by 6:00 p.m. Contact rhonda@trailnet.org for more details.
Sincerely,
Ann Rivers Mack
Chief Executive Officer
What to do if you’re involved in a car crash while riding your bike
Trailnet is waiting to hear St. Louis County’s response to all of the comments submitted about the DEIS. Once we hear their response, we will determine our next course of action.
Below are the remaining steps of the process according to NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) law, which will be followed if St. Louis County decides against withdrawing the DEIS.
Though the public comment period for the DEIS document is over, if you did not send a letter, feel free to call County Executive Dooley’s office to express your concerns. He can be reached at 314.615.7016.
