Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For November, we’re delighted to feature Charles Bryson!
Charles Bryson spent more than three years dedicating himself to Trailnet and the local movement for safer streets. His impact on our work — and on the broader transportation landscape in St. Louis — cannot be understated. As Charles moves on to his next chapter, we want to recognize his accomplished tenure as our Policy Catalyst and express our deep gratitude for all he helped advance.
Charles joined Trailnet in June 2022 with decades of diverse experience, including a formative stint as Director of The City of St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency. In his introductory message to Trailnet’s stakeholders, Charles made his overarching goal clear:
“[I’m here to] Listen. Listen to what the community is saying. Look at how our policies, procedures and practices can impact the needs of those various communities… The one thing I want to be able to accomplish is to listen to folks and address their needs.”
As a Trailnet employee, Charles attended countless hours of neighborhood association meetings, community town halls, and board of alderman committee meetings. And he did more than just listen. He leveraged the relationships he had formed as a lifelong public servant to advocate for changes at the City, County, and State levels. He spoke out as an ambassador for multimodal transportation and safer streets across the St. Louis region. He worked intentionally (and often outside of standard working hours) to effectively address the needs of the people.
In 2025, Charles played a pivotal role in strengthening Trailnet’s advocacy and expanding our impact. He developed and launched Trailnet’s Transportation Infrastructure Mayoral Forum, giving St. Louisans a platform to speak directly with candidates about the region’s transportation future. He also led the creation of our Aldermanic Candidate Survey, helping residents understand where their leaders stand on critical multimodal and safety issues. Charles organized Accessible by Design: Crafting Complete Streets for All, a hands-on workshop that empowered community members — especially disabled advocates — to push for more accessible, equitable infrastructure. And true to his commitment to education and transparency, he spent countless hours in meetings across the region explaining Complete Streets principles, breaking down policy barriers, and helping everyday people understand how change actually happens. When asked what makes advocacy successful, Charles emphasized clarity of purpose and understanding the landscape: “One must know what they want, the climate they’re working in, who’s responsible, and when to ask.” His guidance for community members reflected that same grounded wisdom: show up, know the process, and know whom to ask — and when.
Charles’ proudest accomplishment at Trailnet was the passage of the St. Louis City Department of Transportation by the voters. City DOT’s creation will give the City an unprecedented opportunity to centrally “plan transportation infrastructure and execute city sidewalk and street repair and replacement,” said Charles.
The City DOT advocacy campaign required loads of leg work from Charles, as one of its chief advocates. “It had to go through the City Charter Commission, where it passed unanimously; then to the Board of Aldermen, who passed the proposal 14-1; and finally to the City voters, who approved it with an 88.5% vote when it only needed 60% to pass,” explained Charles. The magnitude of that victory was, in itself, proof of Charles’ effectiveness as an advocate and leader.
Though much of his work happened in meeting rooms, Zoom links, and policy documents, Charles’ commitment extended far beyond the formal spaces of advocacy. He showed up — reliably, thoughtfully, and wholeheartedly — for the community members, partners, and colleagues working toward a safer St. Louis. His steady presence and principled approach strengthened Trailnet’s work in ways that will benefit the region for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his service, his leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Trailnet and Partners Celebrate Start of Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track
Cindy Mense, Trailnet CEO, speaks to supporters and members of the press in front of City Hall during a celebration for the start of construction on Tucker Boulevard on Sept. 30.
A vision for a more vibrant, connected, and welcoming downtown takes shape
Today, city leaders, advocates, and community partners gathered to celebrate the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track, a transformative project that will make downtown St. Louis more connected, welcoming, and vibrant.
Stretching nearly one mile from Washington Avenue to Chouteau Avenue, the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track will deliver safer, more organized infrastructure through the heart of downtown. The project is more than just a cycletrack; it also includes improvements in pedestrian safety, ADA-compliance, and bus stop access, creating a street that better serves everyone, no matter if they’re walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, or driving.
The project is a key piece of Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan, a long-term vision first launched in 2017 to create a citywide network of safe, connected routes linking neighborhoods, jobs, and destinations. The Tucker improvements represent that vision coming to life — a major step toward a St. Louis that is easier to navigate, more inviting to visitors, and more livable for all residents.
“This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when partners come together around a shared vision — a vision shaped by over 60 organizations and 4,000 residents — to design streets that put people first and connect everyday destinations through safe, convenient routes.” said Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet.
The City of St. Louis is implementing the project with federal TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) funding with design support and early advocacy from Trailnet, who was supported by partners including Greater St. Louis, PeopleForBikes, and the William A. Kerr Foundation. The project aligns with the City’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance multimodal connectivity throughout the region.
Upon its completion in Spring 2026, Tucker Boulevard will connect to existing and planned routes like the Chestnut Street bike lanes, Chouteau Avenue improvements, and the Brickline Greenway, serving as a vital link in St. Louis’ growing multimodal network.
“I’m thrilled about what we’re going to be doing here on Tucker Boulevard,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Along with other great infrastructure, this will connect these individual pieces into one great system, allowing St. Louisans and visitors to get around our city in safer, more enjoyable, and healthier ways.”
The press conference coincides with Week Without Driving, a national campaign led locally by Trailnet that invites participants to imagine what it’s like to rely on walking, biking, or transit for daily trips, and to experience firsthand the value of streets that work for everyone.
Left to right: Jen Wade, Area Engineer at MoDOT; Sarah Arnosky Ko, Vice President of Greater St. Louis Inc; Cara Spencer, Mayor of the City of St. Louis; and Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet
Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For September, we’re featuring Last Stop Bike Shop!
When you ride with Trailnet, chances are you’ve already benefited from the generosity and expertise of Last Stop Bike Shop — whether you knew it or not. Owners Aaron Grant and Casey Oliver have become some of the most reliable behind-the-scenes champions of our rides and events.
From running SAG support at Trailnet community and partner rides, to hauling our gear when needed, to coming into the Trailnet office for a “bike maintenance day” so our whole staff could keep riding smoothly — Last Stop Bike Shop shows up. And they do it with the same philosophy that drives their business: meet people where they are and keep them riding.
A whole-package approach to bike care
Aaron and Casey bring complementary strengths to their shop and the cycling community. “My specialty is fitting bikes correctly — making sure riders have the right saddle, proper leg extension, and the knowledge they need to have a great ride,” Aaron explains. “Casey is all about the nuts and bolts, keeping bikes running smoothly and on schedule. Together, we’re kind of the whole package.”
That combination makes Last Stop Bike Shop more than just a service counter — it makes them a trusted partner who can anticipate needs, listen carefully, and get riders back on their bikes with confidence.
Why Trailnet matters
The partnership between Trailnet and Last Stop Bike Shop goes beyond event logistics. “We enjoy our close relationship with Trailnet because, like us, they’re looking ahead — planning the future projects that make cycling better for everyone,” Aaron says. “Without advocacy and support, projects don’t get done. The future I want to live in has a lot more bicycles in it and a lot more walkable, bikeable infrastructure. Trailnet’s vision aligns perfectly with that.”
Building a bike-friendly future
Aaron describes himself as a “man of vision(s),” and his passion shines through in every conversation about cycling. For him and Casey, the joy of cycling isn’t something to keep to themselves — it’s something to share widely. “It is very rewarding to help someone discover a love of cycling,” Aaron says. “We want Last Stop Bike Shop to be a name people know for good fun, quality service, and helping grow the city’s bike paths and facilities.”
The shop already has plans for more events, partnerships, and classes, with big ideas on the horizon for 2026 and beyond. Their goal? To stay rooted in the St. Louis cycling scene for years to come, helping more people experience the joy of getting around by bike.
Last Stop Bike Shop embodies what it means to be Trailnet Champions. They don’t just fix bikes — they build community, support safer streets, and keep people riding. We’re grateful to have them as partners and friends in this movement.
Trailnet Champion: Nick Chabarria
Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For August, we’ve featuring Nick Chabarria, Public Affairs Senior Specialist for AAA Missouri!
Two years ago, Missouri took a historic step toward safer roads: the passage of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, which prohibits drivers from using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. The law is a landmark win for safety advocates across the state, and it wouldn’t have happened without the tireless work of people like Nick Chabarria, Public Affairs Senior Specialist for AAA Missouri.
Trailnet has long championed safer streets for people who walk, bike, and use transit, and distracted driving makes our streets more dangerous for everyone. Nick and AAA Missouri were key partners in the Hands Free Missouri Coalition, helping build the coalition, mobilize the public, and carry the message through the halls of the State Capitol.
Nick didn’t begin his career in policy, but in journalism. After graduating from the University of Missouri–Columbia with a degree in journalism (and minors in Spanish and linguistics), he worked at TV news stations in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and New Orleans in both on-camera and behind-the-scenes roles. That experience, he says, helped shape how he approaches public affairs today.
Nick Chabarria speaking to a member of the press. Photo courtesy of Nick Chabarria.
Now, as a spokesperson for AAA Missouri, Nick covers a seven-state territory and oversees community programs and legislative activity, with traffic safety at the core of his work. When AAA began seriously pursuing hands-free legislation in 2021, those communication skills quickly came into play. “I primarily leveraged my public relations connections with local media around the state to talk about the dangers of distracted driving and why enhancing Missouri’s distracted driving law was so critical to improving safety for all road users,” Nick recalls.
AAA joined the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition at a time when distracted driving deaths were rising and Missouri lagged behind other states in safety protections. Nick stepped into a leadership role, serving as interim chair of the coalition and becoming one of the most visible public voices for the cause.
He helped link together efforts already underway — from MoDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign to grassroots advocates across the state — and gave them a singular focus: making Missouri a hands-free state. He also engaged youth through the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown, a pledge contest that turned safe driving into a statewide conversation.
Nick is quick to credit the broad coalition that made this victory possible: “Getting the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law across the finish line in 2023 was a full team effort. It was truly inspiring to see all the individual and collaborative efforts going on statewide to raise awareness of the issue and encourage the public to support the bill by reaching out to their local legislators. Trailnet’s contributions during that time cannot be understated, particularly as it relates to their advocacy for pedestrians, cyclists, and multimodal road users. Whether it was through their Drive the Change educational campaign or supporting our legislative outreach days at the Missouri State Capitol, it was great to have a partner in Trailnet who we knew we could count on.”
The signing of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law. Photo courtesy of Nick Chabarria.
For Nick, some of the most powerful moments came not in legislative hearings, but during Distracted Driving Awareness Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Each year, the event brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, transportation leaders, and — most importantly — families who have lost loved ones to distracted driving.
“Most impactful for me each year is hearing from our incredible distracted driving victim advocates, Adrienne Siddens, Stephany Bening, and Warren Douglas,” he says. “Each of these people have lost someone who meant the world to them in traffic crashes and to see their bravery as they share their stories, it’s hard not to get emotional. I can’t possibly imagine what they have gone through, but I can tell you that because of their courage our roads are safer today. Getting to work with our victim advocates in the hopes of preventing tragedy from occurring to other families is why I will always feel so honored and fortunate to work in this space.”
Since the law passed, telematics data already shows that Missouri drivers are using their phones about 5% less while behind the wheel — an early sign that lives are being saved.
Nick reflects on the coalition with gratitude. “It really seems like this group was brought together for a reason,” he says. “Everyone had their role to play and contributed to Hands-Free Missouri in different ways and I am just proud to be able to say I was a small part of that.”
The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law is already making an impact, but its true legacy lies ahead — in the crashes prevented, lives saved, and families spared from tragedy. Thanks to leaders like Nick Chabarria, and partners like AAA Missouri and others across the state, Missouri is on a path toward safer roads for everyone.
Trailnet Champion: St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians
Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For July, we’ve featuring the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians!
If you’ve spent time riding a bike, walking, or waiting at a bus stop in St. Louis, you’ve likely experienced firsthand how challenging, and at times, dangerous, our streets can be. The founders of the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians (CP2) know this reality all too well. What started as a group of friends riding together and voicing their frustrations became something much bigger: a growing grassroots movement demanding change.
CP2 was founded in summer 2024 by advocates Dani Adams and Jenn DeRose, who met through other bike volunteer efforts. Brought together by their shared love of biking and a deep concern for street safety, the group grew, and quickly evolved into a hub for collective action. The energy was palpable from the start; nearly 40 people showed up to their very first meeting! Since then, CP2 has consistently organized events and initiatives that amplify the voices of those often overlooked in transportation planning. CP2 recently became a working group of the St. Louis Urbanists, and their ranks and influence continue to grow. The core leadership of the include Adams and DeRose, along with Samuel Bendriem, Aubrey Bryon, Jemila Collier, Christian Frommelt, Noah Goldman, Kea Wilson, and Matt Wyczalkowski.
On the third Friday of each month, CP2 leads bike and bus rides to City Hall, a visible show of solidarity among people who walk, bike, and take transit. These monthly actions often culminate in the delivery of letters to city leaders: personal stories, calls for better street design across many St. Louis roads, and demands for a fully funded, fully empowered Department of Transportation (among other things). These aren’t just symbolic gestures; they’re coordinated efforts to remind decision-makers that safe streets are a basic right.
Beyond their regular rides, CP2 has taken an active role in educating and mobilizing the public. They’ve conducted walk and bike audits across the city to identify hazards, brought attention to open houses and public meetings concerning infrastructure plans, collected speed data for dangerous streets, and partnered with Trailnet and other advocacy groups to host the Transportation Infrastructure Mayoral Forum in February, helping St. Louis residents better understand where candidates stand on key transportation issues. After the forum, they were instrumental in crafting questions for the Aldermanic Survey.
They’ve also created space for learning and strategy-building. CP2 hosted a proactive organizing workshop to equip community members with tools to advocate for safer streets, and co-hosted an event with Left Bank Books to welcome Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, a powerful book that highlights how many Americans cannot drive and what must change to improve mobility for all.
Cyclists on the July 13 Gravois Safety Ride. Photo by Samuel Bendriem
Most recently, CP2 led a Gravois Safety Ride, inviting cyclists to experience and reflect on one of St. Louis’ most dangerous roads. The event not only raised awareness, but helped gather signatures for a petition to the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Dept. of Transportation demanding urgent safety improvements to Gravois Avenue, and also put out a call for pedestrians and cyclists to share their experiences on Gravois.
At its core, CP2 is building a culture of people-powered advocacy. They encourage everyday residents to share their lived experiences, participate in public processes, and speak directly to city leaders. You don’t need to be a planner or engineer to demand safer streets — you just need to show up and raise your voice. CP2 is helping more and more St. Louisans do exactly that.
Trailnet is happy to uplift CP2’s efforts because we both believe in promoting the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, and we’re proud to feature them as this month’s Trailnet Champion. Their tenacity, creativity, and commitment to advocacy is helping shape a safer, more equitable future for everyone who uses our streets.
Trailnet Champion: Naresh Kumar
Each month we feature a member of our community that is working to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Naresh Kumar is our champion for June!
When Naresh Kumar (pictured above in the blue t-shirt, surrounded by Trailnet staff) set out in 2024 to bike 3,400 miles across the United States on a tandem bicycle, he didn’t do it alone — not just because of the second seat on his bike, but because of the spirit of community he carried with him the whole way.
Naresh’s cross-country journey to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking was one of connection, courage, and what he calls “slow travel.” Along the way, he invited people from all walks of life to ride with him, even for just a few blocks. He made space for strangers to become companions, for conversations to become friendships, and for streets to become places where kindness flows.
At Trailnet’s Peloton Society Spring Social, we had the privilege of welcoming Naresh as our guest speaker. He, of course, arrived on his bike, beaming, humble, and ready to share his stories from the road. He spoke not only about the cause he rides for but also about what riding itself can do for us all.
“It’s not my adventure. It’s our adventure.”
That’s the mindset Naresh brings to everything he does, and it was clear in the way he addressed Trailnet members. In his words, in his presence, and in the way he welcomed every question during the Q&A, he reminded us what makes active transportation so powerful. “Slow travel” is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about what happens along the way.
“When you embrace that bicycle and walking, magic happens, and there is so much of that magic out there.”
Naresh named his tandem bike Kindness as a tribute to the people across the country who housed him, fed him, joined him, and cheered him on during his ride. And that kindness ripples outward. Through every mile, he was showing what’s possible when we slow down and make space for each other — on the road and in life.
“Vulnerability is the key to human connection.” “When you bike or walk somewhere, there is a connection that happens… it’s because of the slow travel.”
Trailnet is honored to recognize Naresh as our June Trailnet Champion His story reminds us that advocacy, like cycling, is powered by people — by showing up, by asking, by trusting in the community to move forward together.
“If we don’t ask for what we want, we are never going to get it. And asking isn’t a one-time thing. We have to keep knocking on doors and asking until we get it.”
Thank you, Naresh, for showing us what it looks like to live with purpose, and for reminding us that every ride can be a ride toward something greater.
Trailnet Champion: Brittany Jones
Each month we feature a member of our community that is working to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Brittany Jones is our champion for April!
Creating a world where everyone can move freely and safely takes more than just good infrastructure. It takes people who understand the connections between community, health, and justice — people like Brittany Jones, this month’s Trailnet Champion!
Brittany serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical and Community Integration and Racial Equity Initiatives at the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN). She’s also the Project Manager for the REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) grant in St. Louis, a CDC-funded initiative aimed at addressing chronic disease and health disparities. Through REACH, Brittany helps lead efforts that not only address health inequities but also transform how communities experience and access safe, welcoming spaces.
For the REACH grant, Trailnet is taking the lead on strategies that increase physical activity through community design. Together, we’re helping neighborhoods connect activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations — a key part of creating more equitable, active, and thriving communities.
“Working with Trailnet has been an enlightening experience for me,” Brittany shared. “Trailnet has taught me the intricacies that go into creating built environments and really thinking about how we create an environment based on what a community wants. And I’ve seen Trailnet put that at the forefront — and it’s been a beautiful thing.”
Originally from Richmond, California, Brittany moved to St. Louis in 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies blending social work, criminal justice, and psychology and completed a dual Master’s in Social Work and Public Health from Washington University. Her passion for public health and social justice is personal.
“My passion comes directly from how I grew up,” she said. “I had to overcome a lot of adversity, and I’ve always had this heart and desire to give back—I just didn’t always know how. Social work is my heart and public health is my brain. They work hand in hand, beautifully.”
That passion now fuels her work to center equity, healing, and liberation in every aspect of public health. From supporting community coalitions to advancing policy strategies, Brittany brings both lived experience and professional insight to the table.
In her role managing the REACH grant, Brittany sees firsthand how the built environment impacts health — whether through access to nutritious food, green space, or safe places to move and gather. She credits Trailnet with helping her see how transportation and street design are deeply woven into these outcomes.
“Trailnet has been instrumental in helping to create action plans, traffic calming tactics, and really pushing the Safe Streets for All agenda,” she said. “It’s changed the way I look at where I live and how I participate as a community member. How do I help create a safer environment for myself, my neighbors, and the kiddos on my street?”
Brittany recently joined Trailnet’s planning team in Washington, D.C. at the National Bike Summit, organized by the League of American Bicyclists, where she and Erich Hellmer, Community Planning Manager at Trailnet, gave a presentation entitled “Who is a ‘Cyclist?’ Reimagining Equitable Mobility through Collective Action.” She’s thoughtful about how transportation conversations need to reflect historical context.
“There’s room for criticism and deeper thought,” she said. “When we’re talking about bike lanes or accessibility, how does that change for people who have been harmed by racist policies and segregation? I love being part of conversations that include those narratives.”
Brittany’s leadership, compassion, and big-picture thinking make her a powerful partner in our shared mission to create communities where everyone can walk, bike, and move safely — no matter who they are or where they live.
Thank you, Brittany, for your dedication to building healthier, more equitable communities!
Trailnet Champions: Karen Nicholson and Scott Otto
In each of our monthly newsletters, Trailnet features a member (or members!) of our community who are working toward Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Karen Nicholson and Scott Otto are our March 2025 Trailnet Champions!
Trailnet is incredibly fortunate to have the best volunteers around! They’re hardworking folks always ready to chip in and spread our message, whether it’s through tabling events, hauling equipment at our rides, or any other number of things that make our work possible. We’re thrilled to feature two this month, both of whom won the Volunteer Award that our recent Beans, Bikes, and Brews event: Karen Nicholson and Scott Otto.
Karen has always had a heart for volunteering. During her 26 years at Scott Credit Union, she was incredibly active in their volunteer incentive program, winning company awards for the most volunteer hours, the highest percentage of team members volunteering, and the highest percentage of team volunteer hours. When it comes to volunteering at Trailnet, Karen loves getting to engage with the community. “I get to meet new people while giving back to the community and advocating for safer streets,” said Karen. “I love working with Trailnet employees; they are a great group of fun, caring, and supportive employees who always make you feel welcomed and appreciated while volunteering.”
In addition to volunteering, Karen keeps active with walking, hiking, and cycling. She’s a proud grandmother (she introduced her granddaughter to the Moonlight Ramble Ride in 2010, and volunteering in 2016!) and is excited to be a great-grandmother in April. We’re betting she’ll introduce her great-grandchild to cycling and volunteering before too long!
Scott got involved with Trailnet in 2023, around the same time that Gina Otto, his wife, became our Special Events Manager! She roped him into working some rides, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Scott keeps busy between his work at UPS, visits with his grown children in Arizona and Tennessee, and awesome hiking and biking adventures. He also loves building and repairing electronics, and is quite the cat dad! On top of all that, he spends a lot of time with Trailnet.
Scott has gone all in on volunteering at our rides, and like Karen, understands the joy of volunteering. “The feeling of giving back to the community — putting in hard work and seeing it pay off with happy smiling bike riders,” said Scott. “And I enjoy meeting new people and learning more about the communities where the bike rides take place.” Scott has found other great bonuses in volunteering, too! “It’s encouraged me to start riding my bike more often and feel more confident riding on streets versus just trails or bike paths.” What a fantastic plus!
Thanks to our volunteers, we’re able to make a bigger impact in all aspects of our work, and we can’t imagine functioning without them. Thank you Karen and Scott, for your passion for volunteering, and for Trailnet! We’re so grateful for you both!
In each of our monthly newsletters, Trailnet features a member of our community who is working toward Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Bill Coppel is our February 2025 Trailnet Champion!
A member of our Board of Directors from 2018 to 2024, Bill Coppel has been an incredible advocate for Trailnet, and St. Louis in general. During his time on Trailnet’s board, he served as the head of the nominations committee — a fitting position for a people-person and connector like Bill. He also served as board mentor to Cindy Mense, Trailnet’s CEO. He’s served as the Chief Client Growth Officer at TradePMP for the past two years, and earned his MBA from Washington University. An east coast native, he’s lived in St. Louis for 17 years, raising two children with his wife, Kathy. He’s always kept a busy professional schedule, but has made time for causes and organizations he believes in, such as KidSmart and the Missouri History Museum, and of course, Trailnet.
An avid cyclist, Bill has biked all over St. Louis and beyond with his family. In listening to him to talk about his adventures, his love of the area is evident. “We have cycled every inch of St. Louis from the north, farthest north side, all the way to the deepest south side of the city, to the western border, and, of course, to the river,” said Bill. “So we know every one of those neighborhoods, each one of them. And that’s another remarkable thing about St. Louis, is every neighborhood is very distinctive, and has its own personality.”
It was through the cycling community that Bill first heard of Trailnet. He joined the board not just because he wants safe streets for everyone, but also because of how safe streets can elevate a city. “Cities should be safe for non-vehicular transportation, whether you’re walking, cycling, or running — all of those things I think are incredibly important — but just as important is the fact that a city has to be inviting,” Bill said. “It has to be a safe city. It’s got to have opportunity, and what we’re doing with streets is helping to revitalize this city, and making it an attractive destination for companies, businesses, and people wanting to move here.”
Trailnet has benefited greatly from Bill’s wisdom as he helped shape and guide many of our campaigns. “I think a lot of the work we’ve done on calming streets, in the neighborhoods within the city for traffic calming, putting in bike lanes, putting in pedestrian crosswalks, and particularly in school areas — it’s great. We’ve been involved with doing all of that and more. I’m really proud of the work Trailnet has done.”
We’re deeply grateful for Bill’s time on our board, and are inspired by his advocacy for safer streets, and St. Louis overall.
In each of our monthly newsletters, Trailnet features a member of our community who is working toward Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. In November 2024, we featured Ryan Hanlon.
Ryan Hanlon is our Trailnet Champion of November! If you haven’t met Ryan before, he is the owner and creative director at Route 3 Films. Route 3 Films has been in business since 2013 and creates content for schools, nonprofits, and small businesses. In his free time, he enjoys tinkering with vintage race cars with his son and father. They are currently restoring a 1980 Jeep CJ5 most of which he plans to use for ice cream runs with his daughter. He loves to mountain bike and climb, camp, and hike with his family and friends.
Ryan is an avid lover of the outdoors and began his volunteering journey with the Ozark Trail Association as a trail crew leader, donor and consultant in 2008. He now serves many groups including the Infrastructure Committee of the Holly Hills Small Business District as chairman and The Friends of Carondelet Park as a board member. He recently created a coalition to spearhead the first and only mountain bike trail in the city of St. Louis which was completed on November 9th in Carondelet Park. The trail will be a hub for practices and racing events for the South City Otters. Ryan believes the trail to be perfect for entry level or intermediate riders and that it is also a great place to walk in the woods for a “city” hike. The trail measures about 1 mile.
Ryan began working with Trailnet when the Holly Hills Infrastructure sub-committee began its work to calm the traffic in their Small Business District. He has been working closely with Trailnet planners Bryce Monser and Erich Hellmer on the project to examine each street, determine its challenges, and seek solutions. “St. Louis is blessed to have Trailnet right here to help us make smart, modern, and safe choices as we work to make our city the best place it can be,” said Ryan. This project is entering its final stages and the team plans to begin implementing their solutions in 2025.
Trailnet’s work is important to Ryan as he has seen, while traveling, what other cities have done to create safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, while still helping motorists. His goal in working with Trailnet is “to keep traffic flowing safely and slightly slower in Holly Hills but make sure the pedestrian and the cyclist are safe and welcomed”. Ryan loves St. Louis and its architecture and wants to maintain that. He believes we can come up with creative ideas to maintain that but making our streets safer for everyone. “I believe that Trailnet has not only safety top of mind but creating solutions that flow with the sense of place in the neighborhoods and streets they serve”, said Ryan. We have loved working with Ryan, and are excited to see what the future holds!
