Advocacy Alert: Add your voice and help end distracted driving
Legislation to limit distracted driving will be up for debate in a Missouri Senate hearing in the coming weeks and you have a chance to help move the bill forward.
Will you help?
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
A Missouri State Senate bill sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
This legislation will be heard in committee in the coming weeks. This bill is one of several different initiatives in the Missouri Senate and House to limit distracted driving and the first to receive a hearing this year.
Stay tuned to Trailnet’s social media and newsletters for other opportunities to help advocate for distracted driving legislation this year
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Corinne Austin: Our new Development Director
Trailnet is so excited to welcome Corinne back to the Trailnet team as our new Development Director! Corinne looks forward to getting to know Trailnet members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and all of the incredible people who make up the Trailnet community.
She hopes to connect people who share our values and vision with opportunities to make our region safer for biking, walking and public transit. She brings 6 years of fundraising and relationship-building experience to the team, previously serving at the Humane Society of Missouri, Trailnet, and Pedal the Cause. Many members may recognize her from her time as Trailnet’s Membership Manager a few years ago.
Q & A with Corinne…
1) Talk about all your experience in non-profit development and career achievements you want to share…
I started my career at the Humane Society of Missouri, where I worked in the Development Department, where I experienced the joy of giving and the impact of philanthropy. I decided to continue to pursue a career in nonprofit fund development. In 2018, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Trailnet staff as Membership Manager, where I got to meet Trailnet members and connect them with opportunities to support advocacy, education and community planning programs. For the last few years, I served as the Development Manager at Pedal the Cause where I recruited, trained and partnered with team captains and participants to raise critical funds for cancer research through an annual community cycling challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am proud to still be a part of the #PedalFamily.
I’m passionate about giving back to the nonprofit sector and the profession of fundraising. Last year, I was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis Chapter’s 2021 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Emerging Fundraiser. A few weeks ago, I earned a credential as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I’ve had the opportunity to speak about engaging millennials in philanthropy at several professional conferences, including the 2018 AFP St. Louis Conference and 2019 AFP ICON International Conference.
2) What drew you to Trailnet?
I went to college in Boston, where I relied entirely on biking, walking, and public transit to get around. I loved getting to spend more time outside, staying active, and exploring the city. I felt like I got to know the city so much more intimately than I could have from behind a car window. One day while I was still in college, I stopped by the Trailnet office with my dad when he picked up his packet for Ride the Rivers, and I was drawn to the energy of the staff. I remember saying to my dad “It would be so cool to work there someday!” I got to fulfill that dream in 2018 as the Membership Manager, and now I get to continue it in a new way as Director of Development.
I share Trailnet’s vision of a more connected, equitable, healthy and sustainable community. That is the kind of place I want to work, live and play. I’m so honored to join our members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, board and staff in making that dream a reality, one day at a time.
3) What is your educational background?
Well, since I’m from St. Louis I guess I should tell you where I went to high school — Cor Jesu Academy. I went on to graduate with a BS in political science from Northeastern University in 2015. I continue to seek continuing education in my field of nonprofit management and fundraising.
4) What do you do for fun?
My husband and I have a menagerie of senior pets — our dog Rex, three cats (Kevin, Matilda and Elsa), and a tank of fish. I love staying active by biking, hiking, rowing, and lifting heavy stuff.
5) Anything else you want to share with our audience!
I can’t wait to get to know more of the Trailnet community, reconnect with our members, and spend more time on my bike!
New year & renewed efforts on distract driving
The start of the 2022 legislative session at the state capitol in Jefferson City saw the introduction of more than a dozen bills focused on curbing distracted driving.
Trailnet is helping lead efforts with partners across the state to curb distracted driving and pass legislation that limits phone use by people while driving. This bi-partisan coalition, Hands Free Missouri, is pushing for new rules that limit people from using their phones while driving.
With the legislative session underway, we are working to grow the coalition of supporters, engage with lawmakers, coordinate testimony for bills, and make progress on this problem.
Missouri is the last state in the nation without meaningful restrictions on all drivers using phones while driving. This lack of rules endangers everyone on our roads, but puts people walking and biking at an ever greater risk.
Dangerous, distracted driving poses one of the biggest threats to people walking and biking in our community. In Missouri more than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving and 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
It is vital that Missouri lawmakers pass meaningful distracted driving legislation and each of us realize the real, human risk that comes from distracted driving.
We need your help to stop distracted driving:
Set an example for the people in your life by not using your phone while driving
Call or email your Missouri State Representative and Senator asking them to support hands free driving legislation
Get involved with Trailnet’s advocacy work by emailing our Policy Manager: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Share the incredibly powerful and personal toll distracted driving crashes can have for people. Watch or share one of these incredibly impactful videos from one of our partners in the Hands Free Coalition, Mercy Injury Prevention
Trailnet is excited to announce two new grants supporting our work to improve walking and biking in the community in 2022. Together these grants represent $40,000 of new funding to support our mission and programs.
P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation
Trailnet received $25,000 from the P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation to support our planning, education and advocacy efforts. Wayne Goode was a former Missouri state legislator who also served the region as president of Trailnet’s board. Wayne passed away in the fall of 2020 and we appreciate the support of his family’s foundation and the lasting impact this grant offers.
U.S. Energy Foundation
Trailnet has also received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Energy Foundation to assist the City of St. Louis with community engagement efforts. These efforts are focused on modifying streets to be safer and lower-stress for people walking and biking. This effort is in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and is aimed at reducing the environmental effects of car-dependency by making walking and biking safer and more accessible.
Prop 1: Voters to weigh in on sidewalks, bike lanes and street repairs in April vote.
A $50 million bond question including funding for sidewalk improvements, bike infrastructure and street repairs is headed to voter after being approved by the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen and Mayor Tishaura Jones. The bond question will go on the ballot for a Tuesday, April 5 vote.
The bond question, Proposition 1, would help pay for the backlog of infrastructure repairs and improvements that aren’t covered by federal assistance funds.
“This bond question is an important step to invest in safe, sustainable infrastructure and ensure it is done in an equitable way. We need to see more funding focused on closing sidewalk gaps, improving accessibility for people with disabilities and supporting safer biking,” Kevin Hahn-Petruso Trailnet’s policy manager said.
Alderwoman Marlene Davis introduced the board bill initiating this process and it was passed without opposition by the Board of Aldermen.
The debt from the bonds will be paid off using existing property tax streams and not result in a property tax increase.
In addition to street repair and biking and walking upgrades, the bonds would also help pay for a new emergency dispatch center and improving conditions at correctional facilities. Money from the bonds could also be used as matching funds for federal programs – including the transportation programs that help fund the city’s planned cycle tracks – and for repairs of city buildings.
Two-thirds of people voting in the election would need to support the bond issue for it to pass.
Press Release | Trailnet & Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism to host inaugural gravel bike ride: StG Gravel Classic
Ste. Genevieve, Mo. – Trailnet and the Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism are launching the StG Gravel Classic. This multi-route bike ride, Saturday April 9, 2022, is the tourism department and Trailnet’s first gravel event.
The StG Gravel Classic offers riders a choice of three routes, 20, 45 and 78 miles on levee trails and hilly gravel roads, with less than 10% of each route on paved roads.
This ride is the first of the 2022 Trailnet Classics, a series of multi-distanced, supported bike rides across the region that help fund Trailnet’s work to improve safety for people walking and biking.
The StG Gravel Classic and all of the Trailnet Classics include rest stops with food and water, marked routes, turn-by-turn directions, and support vehicles to help riders in case of mechanical or first aid issues.
“We’re launching our first gravel event this year to introduce more people to the beautiful and challenging riding Ste. Genevieve has to offer. This is a chance to embrace the spirit of gravel in such a welcoming and historically significant community,” Matt Hartman, Trailnet’s Rides Director said.
“The Ste Genevieve Tourism Department is excited to welcome riders, their friends and families to explore and connect with everything we have to offer. With our long storied- history, the Missouri Dinosaur discovery, scenic nature, delicious dining, wineries, and unique shopping, we know all who visit will fall in love,” Jeff Wix, Ste. Genevieve’s Tourism Director, said.
Riders should explore visitstegen.com for a convenient guide to lodging, dining, local winners, shops, and attractions during the weekend of the ride and for their next trip to Ste. Genevieve.
“By partnering with Ste. Genevieve, we’re introducing more people to the community and helping share the benefits of biking for economic development as well as the health and connection in the community” Cindy Mense, Trailnet’s CEO said.
What is gravel riding?
Gravel biking is simply riding bikes on unpaved gravel or dirt roads. Combining elements of road riding and mountain biking, gravel riding has grown in popularity in recent years both in recreational riding and racing.
While any bike can be ridden on gravel roads, bikes with wider tires – 32 mm or 1.25 in or thicker – are encouraged for greater comfort and handling.
The StG Gravel Classic is designed to give people of different skill levels a unique, supported gravel experience.
Timing and Prizes
All riders will receive a timing chip that records their total time on the ride. Trailnet and sponsors will be providing prizes for the top five finishers in age and gender categories.
18 and Under ($10 registration)
Men’s Open – (age 19+)
Women’s Open – (age 19+)
Men’s Masters – (age 35+)
Women’s Masters – (age 35+)
Gravel riding is as competitive or non-competitive as individual riders want it to be. The Masters Category is the more-competitive category. The Open Category is meant for riders of all levels.
Registration & Pricing
Registration is open now at Trailnet.org/rides and is $45 for the public and $30 for Trailnet members.
This year Trailnet is introducing youth pricing for riders 18 years old and younger to encourage more young riders and families to participate. Registration for people 18 and younger is $10.
Trailnet is following local health rules for organizing events. As rules change, Trailnet staff will communicate details and expectations with riders.
Trailnet will announce its full 2022 ride season calendar on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
Sponsors
The StG Gravel Classic is sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Tourism Department. The prizes for the fastest riders of each category are sponsored by InMotion Bike Fit Studio. The timing for the ride is courtesy of Billy Goat Bicycle Company. Logan University will provide complementary post-ride massages.
Schlafly Beer is the 2022 beer and hard seltzer sponsor of the Trailnet Classics.
Details
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 2022
TIME: 8 a.m.
LOCATION: Downtown Ste. Genevieve and surrounding roads and levee trails
ROUTE DISTANCES: 20, 45, 78
PRICE: $45, $30 for Trailnet Members, $10 for riders 18 years old and younger
Trailnet is the St. Louis region’s nonprofit walking, biking and public transit advocacy organization. For more than 33 years, Trailnet has been working within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love.
Rock Island Trail State park, a new cross-state bike trail
Tuesday Dec.15, 2021 the Missouri Department of Natural Resources took ownership of a 144 mile railroad corridor to convert it into the Rock Island Trail State Park.
The new trail will cross through communities in Central Missouri from Windsor to Beaufort. At Windsor, it will connect to 237 mile Katy Trail State park including the 47 mile Rock Island Trail spur that connects Windsor to Lee’s Summit in the Kansas City suburbs. Once completed the Rock Island and Katy Trails will form a 428 mile trail loop network that will connect communities, boost local economies, as well as increase bike and outdoor tourism.
From Missouri State Parks
Trailnet helped organize early efforts through its statewide collaboration: Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT). MRT is a partnership between the Trailnet, BikeWalk KC, LocalMotion (formerly PedNet) and Ozark Greenways focused on improving walking and biking in communities across the state.
Trailnet started meeting with partners including MMRT and Missouri State Parks in 2018 to help build a coalition to help push the trail forward. This work included vital early fundraising efforts for the trail, helping connect donors to the project and raise the initial funding to make the future rail trail possible.
This month’s news is a key step towards the creation of this new trail and state park, but it will be several years before people can ride or hike on the trail.
Missouri State Parks and Missouri Department of Natural Resources have already begun planning for construction. The trail will be completed in stages, with some sections taking a number of years and others up to a decade.
As planning and construction on the trail begins, the potential also exists to extend the trail and create more links to into the St. Louis region. This is a significant regional and statewide project with strong implications for communities across the state to be more connected through safe walking and biking infrastructure.
Trailnet’s 33rd Birthday!
Today, November 29 Trailnet turns 33! That means 33 years of dedicated work in the community.
From the early days rehabbing the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and developing Grant’s Trail, to our work advocating for better biking, walking and public transit safety across the St. Louis region: We appreciate all our friends, members and partners who have supported our mission along the way!
33 years of your support helps us:
Bring awareness and advocacy for safer streets for all. We’re preparing for another year of committed advocacy, fighting distracted driving and connecting our St. Louis community.
Create a network of low-stress connections for people to get around the region by foot or or by bike. More than 6 miles of protected bike lanes are on track for construction in the coming years. Our work to champion this vital progress is thanks to support from people like you!
Advocate for policy changes to limit distracted driving in Missouri and improve safety for people walking and biking.
Host bike rodeos where kids and adults practice safe bike skills. We also get adults moving by hosting education sessions to build confidence commuting by bike and riding in all conditions.
Celebrate and support Trailnet
To celebrate Trailnet’s 33 years, our $55 friend-level membership will be $33 all day today! Support us by becoming a member to improve biking, walking and public transit in the St. Louis region. Become a friend-level member or gift a membership to a friend by: 1) Clicking here or the button below 2) Selecting the option “Join/Renew with a One-Time Gift” 3) Typing in $33 on the “Other” line
Share with us any of your favorite Trailnet photos, stories and memories by emailing communications@trailnet.org or connecting with us on our social media!
Thank you for so much for 33 years!
2021 Quarter 3 (July – September) Crash Report
We are over halfway through 2021, which means it is time for another quarterly crash report. This report examines crashes from July 2021 to September 2021 on roads within the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. The report compares the number of bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular crashes during a three month period to the same time period in the previous year.
When comparing July to September 2021 to July to September 2020, we’ve seen a slight decrease in total pedestrian and vehicular crashes in St. Louis City, with a light increase of pedestrian crashes & deaths, and total vehicular crashes in St. Louis County. When looking at specific corridors and areas in the City we saw decreases in pedestrian crashes along Kingshighway Blvd, N. Florissant Ave, and throughout Downtown St. Louis. In the County, while we have seen an increase in the total amount of pedestrian crashes and deaths, there has been a decrease in crashes specifically along Chambers Rd, a traditionally high crash corridor (6 crashes from July to September 2020 – 1 crash in July to September 2021.) It should be noted that there was a large jump in bike crashes in these months, compared to previous months of the year (Almost 60% of bike crashes in the City occurred from July to September. The rise is most likely contributed to the nicer weather in the summer months.
Click the PDF to enlarge
THIS IS A YEAR-TO-DATE GRAPHIC SHOWING TOTAL NUMBER OF CRASHES FROM JAN. 1ST TO SEPT. 30TH
New core transportation projects receive federal funding, move towards construction
Two greenway extensions, two cycle tracks (aka protected bike lanes), and a Metrolink station upgrade all move forward.
Today, five regional projects for improved walking, biking, and transit (core transportation) received federal funding, clearing the way towards construction in the coming years.
These projects are sponsored by our partners at the City of St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway, and Metro Transit.
The projects were approved by the East West Gateway Council of Governments, a 14-county regional board responsible for transportation planning and funding.
St. Louis City projects include:
Funding to replace the Compton Ave. Bridge, adding a cycle track (aka protected bike lane) plus sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades
A city-led effort to build a cycle track on South Broadway between River Des Peres Greenway and Dover St. at Bellerive Park
Metro Transit
Accessibility, lighting, and canopy improvements at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Metro Station
Additional funding was awarded to Metro for 18 new call-a-ride vans for seniors and people with disabilities as well as 20 new buses which will be hitting the streets in the next few years.
Great Rivers Greenway
A segment of the Brickline Greenway from Sarah St. To Grand St., including an overpass over Vandeventer Ave.
An extension of the St. Vincent Greenway from Werley Ave. to St. Charles Rock Road in St. Louis County.
Congratulations to our partners on this key step and the strides towards bringing more core transportation projects to the region. All of these projects are included in competitive federal transportation funds administered by East West Gateway. Learn more about these funds on the EWG website.
