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.
Trailnet is honored to offer enriching internships every year that allow people to gain experience building a better, more connected St. Louis. Trailnet interns come from dynamic backgrounds and are immediately plugged in to our exciting work. This month, we’re highlighting Hannah Hirsch, one of our talented 2021 summer interns.
Read on to learn about how Hannah is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable planet with active transportation options for all.
Hannah Hirsch
1) What you did this summer (outside of Trailnet)?
Outside of my work at Trailnet, I enjoyed my first summer in St. Louis where I was able to get to know the city without the stress of academics. I met a bunch of new, great people with whom I explored different local shops, neighborhoods, and events. To name a few examples, I spent a lot of time in Forest Park where I got to witness cool areas I had never seen before and enjoy nature in an urban environment. I love thrifting and I explored new shops where I enjoyed both browsing and the occasional purchase. I also attended live music shows in Tower Grove Park and frequented the farmers market.
2) What you’re studying in school?
I am pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Economics at WashU. I hope to use my knowledge in the future to play a role in developing climate solutions that challenge current norms and transition ourselves to a more circular economy.
3) What drew you to intern at Trailnet?
My interest in the environment both personally and academically drew me to intern at Trailnet as I desired to dig deeper into the organization’s efforts to connect neighborhoods and make streets safer for biking and walking, which are important carbon-neutral alternatives to most popular forms of transportation. My initial interest grew into an understanding of street connectivity as a goal not only to better the climate, but as a must for equity and a more cohesive city.
4) What about your time at Trailnet was valuable to your career?
Having an opportunity to work hands-on with a grant writing project is a unique experience that I was provided at Trailnet, which I cannot say I would have been offered elsewhere. I felt valued as a team member during meetings and working one-on-one with staff despite my role as an intern, challenging me to think more critically, quickly, and creatively. Taking ownership of a project and its timeline from beginning to end will prove to be critical experience in any career I ultimately pursue.
5) What has been the most fun Trailnet project to work on or learn about?
Apart from my grant writing project, I enjoyed accompanying Sam to tabling events and getting to know different St. Louis neighborhoods. In addition to immersing myself in local community events, it was interesting to take speed data at the same intersection over time and see for myself how infrastructure changes have the power to calm traffic and create safer streets.
6) What do you do like to do for fun?
In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, exploring and spending time with friends, and other relaxing activities. It has been harder to make time for these as the school year has started, but I’ve been doing my best to keep in the loop with local events. Recently I’ve seen live music at Blueberry Hill, visited the farmers’ market on the Delmar Loop, and explored the Hill, to name a few..
Thank you so much Hannah for you time and work at Trailnet! You are so wonderful, and we all wish you a wonderful school year!
Ride the Rivers 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the 2021 Ride the Rivers Century presented by Streets of St. Charles. Whether you’re riding the metric century, or the full century, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Packet Pickup
When and where should I get my ride packet?
Thursday Oct. 7, 6-8:00 p.m. Streets of St. Charles 1520 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63303
If you preordered an event jersey you’ll be able to pickup it up Oct. 7 as well.
There is day-of packet pickup at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday at the check-in tent
What is the bib number for? There is a timing chip built into the number plate. It is linked to your registration and will be used to track your cumulative ride time. Use the included zip ties to attach it to your handlebars to track your overall time and standings.
What is the wristband for? The wristband confirms you’ve registered for the ride. The tear-off tabs are used for the ferry crossings, give one to the ferry operator. Please don’t tear off ahead of time.
You will need the tear-off tabs for the Golden Eagle Ferry (both routes) the Grafton Ferry (metric century route only). The Brussels Ferry is free for all users and doesn’t need a tab.
I ordered a jersey (or any other merchandise), when will I get it? If you ordered a Jersey during early-bird registration, you can pick it up on Thursday during packet pickup or on Saturday.
If you ordered the jersey after the early-bird window, it will be shipped to your house.
If you ordered socks, they will be included in your packet.
If you ordered a bottle, it will be available for pickup on Saturday.
Before the Ride
How will the route be marked?
All our routes will be marked with bright pink paint and arrows on the road.
We will have paper maps and cue sheets on our Check-in table, as well.
Once you’ve downloaded the app click here to access the routes. We may need to make be minor changes to the routes based on road conditions and construction up until Friday. You’ll receive an email when the routes are finalized and can be downloaded to your phone or GPS.
How do I contact SAG (Support And Gear) if I need help on the ride? Because of the large number of participants and distance covered during this ride we are using TraQ Central for SAG. This lets us more accurately track riders and give GPS locations to sag drivers, speeding up response times.
This easy-to-use app runs passively in the background of your phone and doesn’t significantly impact your battery. More info on TraQCentral can be found here.
Or, save this number in your phone and call: 314-913-BIKE (314-913-2453)
How should I plan for food/nutrition? Food, nutrition and water will be available at check in and at several rest stops along the routes.
Rest stops are spaced no more than 20 miles apart and will have a variety of food, water and sports mix to fuel along the way.
All riders will receive a meal ticket after the ride for food from Mission Taco and beers from Schlafly.
From Mission Taco Joint:
Chicken burrito – grilled chicken, cilantro rice, smashed black beans, Chihuahua cheese, and chipotle aioli.
Veggie burrito – smashed black beans, cilantro rice, pico de gallo, Chihuahua cheese.
From Trailnet
Schlafly Beer
Sodas
Gatorade
Day-of the Ride
When should I arrive?
If you have already picked up your ride packet, arrive no later than 6:00 a.m. This will give you time to find parking, get coffee, grab snacks, fill water etc.
If you have not picked up your packet: we strongly suggest you be in line no later than 5:30 a.m. You will need to give yourself time to get the packet, attached your timing card, return the packet to your car, and get ready to ride
When can I start the ride? All Riders must depart with the group at 7: a.m.
St. Charles Police Department will escort riders through town before closing streets along the route for two separate events after our ride group departs.
Riders will not be able to depart after the 7 a.m. group start.
Where should I park? All Riders must park in the Streets of St. Charles Parking Deck, located between Beal St. and S. Main St.
Do not park in any of the neighboring surface lots, anyone who does will be towed.
1650 Beale St. St. Charles, MO 63303
Enter the parking deck off of S. Main Street or Camelback Road because of ride-day street closures.
Do I need to bring cash for the ferry crossings?
No, your wristband has tear-off tabs that you will give to the ferry operators at Golden Eagle Ferry (both routes) the Grafton Ferry (metric century route only). The Brussels Ferry is free for all users and doesn’t need a tab.
Do I need to wear a mask?
We are asking that all riders wear a mask when not riding, eating or drinking.
Trailnet staff and volunteers will be wearing masks when interacting with other people and when social distancing isn’t possible.
We’re looking for a freelance graphic designer
Freelance Graphic Designer
Trailnet is seeking a talented, motivated Freelance Graphic Designer to collaborate remotely with our communications, development, and rides team. You will develop visual concepts, coordinate images with the comms team, and create visual assets to be used in campaigns, websites, and printed materials.
This role requires a creative and imaginative individual who can operate within the framework of our style and brand guidelines to produce original and engaging visual content. Our ideal candidate has a strong portfolio of successful design work and comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Suite and related design software. Design work will be project based with timelines and deadlines associated with each project.
Primary Responsibilities:
Create specialized assets for print, social media, web page and newsletters
Produce digital and print holiday card design
Create annual report infographics
Format and design gala program booklet
Make recommendations on updating style guidelines and branding where appropriate
Reporting Relationship: You will work closely with the Director of Development and Marketing & Communications Coordinator on a schedule and project scope of work
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design preferred
Extensive portfolio of successful design work, especially digital content
Comprehensive knowledge of design software, including Adobe Suite
Excellent communicate and problem-solving skills
Enthusiasm for Trailnet’s mission and vision
About the Organization
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization with a 33-year history of making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. We believe everyone should have access to safe low-stress walking and biking connections where we live, work, and play in our communities. Trailnet works 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.
Compensation: $35/hour, estimated hours per week- 5-10 hrs, may vary
Job Typeand Duration
Freelance, initial contract for 6-months
Application Information
Interested candidates should send a portfolio and resume to hr@trailnet.org
Traffic Calming and Pop-up Park on MLK
On September 10, 4theVille hosted a pop-up park on MLK and North Sarah to celebrate the Ville’s heritage, highlight talented Black artists and history, and imagine the Ville’s potential.
Trailnet helped out with a traffic calming demonstration with brightly colored tires, traffic cones, and tape to create bump-outs on MLK & North Sarah and MLK & Whittier in the Ville. The temporary curb bump-outs and high-visibility crosswalks create a safer and more comfortable street for all users by making a safer and shorter distance for people walking along the street to cross.
Even though the lane configuration of the street remained the same, by bumping-out the curbs and reinforcing the intended traffic patterns, there was a noticeable decrease in speeding along the corridor during the demonstration. This temporary change helped Trailnet and 4theVille engage residents on what changes they would like to see at this and other locations in the future to make it easier for people to get around safely.
This pop-up is part of a larger effort by 4theVille and Trailnet to engage residents in conversations about how the built environment could make it easier for people in the neighborhoods to get around.
The pop-up event provides side benefits in highlighting local history and addressing stormwater runoff, through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice – Collaborative Problem Solving program. Additional support was provided through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services “Missouri Livable Streets” Program, an effort to advance complete and livable streets in communities across the state and connect people to every day destinations through connected communities that prioritize people getting around in many different ways.
Trailnet is grateful to have been part of such an amazing effort by 4theVille, “It was really terrific to be a part of this collaborative effort to highlight the unique history of one of the countries most historic Black neighborhoods, and help engage residents in ways that history can be elevated and celebrated for future generations,” Taylor March, Trailnet’s Director of Policy said.
We look forward to how we can continue to help make the streets places for people, and help highlight all the amazing history of the Ville Neighborhood!
Tuesday, December 7 (snow date Dec. 16th) 5:30-7:30PM,All About Winter Riding – Come learn with the experts all about winter riding. This class will cover winter clothing suggestions, bike maintenance, riding conditions and how to choose the proper gear and routes for those snowy days.
Thank you to everyone who came and participated in Trailnet’s 2021 Bicycle Education classes! It’s been so much fun to meet new people and teach new skills! Stay tuned for future bike education classes in 2022.
As we continue to collect count data each consecutive year, we are able to show changes in bicycling and pedestrian activity. Documenting these changes is essential to shaping infrastructure projects that make our region more livable for all.
We need volunteers who can commit to counting bicyclists and pedestrians at designated locations from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14th and/or Sept. 15th.
The counts are a simple tally form. You’ll need to print a copy of the tally form for each “screen line” shown for your location.
You can check out the locations and the screen lines on our map before you sign up. Two weeks prior to the counts you will receive an email with more instructions, as well as the tally form. You will need to print out the tally form(s) prior to the count. You will need one tally form for each screen line at your location (most locations have two).
Bringing sunscreen and a chair will increase your enjoyment of the counts. If you are at a particularly busy location (ex. Skinker and Forest Park Parkway) you may want to ask a friend to join you to help count, besides everything is more fun with a buddy!
Note that in cases of inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, Trailnet will reschedule this event to the following week as a policy. Please use your best judgment and seek shelter if the weather becomes threatening.
Also check our Twitter and Facebook pages for ongoing updates or if you have any questions. In the event of a cancelation, counts will be done the following week on September 16th and 17th.
Trailnet is honored to offer enriching internships every year that allow people to gain experience building a better, more connected St. Louis. Trailnet interns come from dynamic backgrounds and are immediately plugged in to our exciting work. This month, we’re highlighting Aidan Gillespie, one of our talented 2021 summer interns.
Read on to learn about how Aidan is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable planet with active transportation options for all.
Aidan Gillespie
1) What you did this summer (outside of Trailnet)?
Well, perhaps most significantly, my wife and I added a new childto our family when our son was born this July. He has been an absolute joy to be around. Aside from that, I’ve spent time exploring some new biking and walking routes in my neighborhood.
2) What you’re studying in school?
I’m a student in SLU’s Master of Urban Planning and Development program. I’m finishing up my second year in the program as a part-time student.
3) What drew you to intern at Trailnet? I have always been fascinated by transportation planning issues and the way transportation intersects with so many other facets of a community’s livability. Trailnet has been the perfect place to work alongside people so mission-driven and so passionately engaged in making Saint Louis a safe place for all people to use low-stress transportation modes. In particular, I was drawn to Trailnet because of its reach. Trailnet collaborates with so many communities and organizations that I’ve been able to see the vast web of individuals and groups committed to active transportation.
4) Can you tell us about your planning involvement at SLU? I participate in the SLU Urban Planning Association events and I’m a student member of the APA.
5) What about your time at Trailnet was valuable to your career? First, the internship definitely offered opportunities to get to know some of the leading advocates for active transportation in Saint Louis. Second, I had hands-on experience with real planning projects that benefit communities.
6) What has been the most fun Trailnet project to work on or learn about? As someone who enjoys exploring maps, I really liked working with Sam to compile and plot data for the quarterly crash report. Also, since Trailnet is hoping to create a program for partners to adopt a bike lane, I spent time reaching out to other communities with similar programs to learn best practices. I learned that people in this field really love their work and are eager to share what they’ve learned along the way. 7) What do you do like to do for fun? I enjoy taking my sons on walks to new places, running, traveling to the National Parks, genealogical research, and playing subway mapping games like Mini Metro.
Thank you so much Aidan for you time and work at Trailnet! You are so wonderful, and we all wish you a wonderful school year!
The Real Cost of Distracted Driving
CW: Car crash, death
This is hard and important.
In 2019, Randall Siddens was helping pick up cones after a triathlon in Columbia, MO. when he was hit and killed by a person driving while looking at their phone.
The video produced by our partners at Mercy Injury Prevention – Springfield worked with Randall’s wife and the first responders who were there to tell Randall’s story. Randall’s story is a real and tragic reminder of the risk whenever someone is on their phone while driving.
(This video contains dash cam footage from immediately before and after the crash, as well as emotional testimony and may not be appropriate for all viewers)
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.
Trailnet is working with partners across the state to curb distracted driving and pass legislation that limits phone use by people driving. This bi-partisan coalition, Hands Free Missouri, is pushing for driving rules that limit people from using their phones while driving to only, push-button voice activated, or hands free modes.
These hands-free cell phone rules have been shown to save lives in other states and are working to pass life-saving legislation here.
Trailnet is helping organize and plan these efforts for the upcoming legislative session. This month, Trailnet staff visited the Missouri Capitol to meet with state legislative staff and statewide partners with the goal of passing legislation to curb distracted driving.
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.
If you want to get involved and help fight distracted driving:
Set an example for the people in your life by not using your phone while driving
Get involved with Trailnet’s advocacy work by emailing our Policy Manager: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
We’re Hiring: Community Planning Manager
Community Planning Manager
Trailnet seeks an urban planner to lead our planning efforts to create healthy, active and vibrant communities where walking, biking and the use of transit become a way of life. The Community Planning Manager plays a key role in shaping our planning and design community engagement efforts to increase access to equitable mobility options for all.
A successful candidate will be self-motivated while still team-centric. They should be strategic, charismatic, and possess the analytical skills to break down complex problems with real-world constraints (wicked problems). A strong candidate should also be able to realize solutions quickly and incorporate continuous feedback through multiple iterations.
About the Organization
Trailnet is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization with a 32-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for all people to get from place to place. We work to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs.
Our tight-knit team is based in downtown St. Louis above a coffee shop and around the corner from the Downtown Bicycle Station and the MetroLink. Our office is downtown but you can find us at neighborhood planning meetings, traffic calming demonstrations, and community bike rides throughout the metro area. We offer a competitive benefits package and flexible work schedules. We work to make St. Louis a premiere city for walking, biking, and transit.
Join our collaborative, mission-driven team.
Trailnet’s planning efforts include a wide range of projects to incorporate walking and biking into the existing transportation system. Major projects include:
The Community Planning Manager serves as the primary contact for planning projects involving contracted partners, municipalities, community partners, and government officials. Managing all aspects of the contract including compliance, marketing, proposal development, implementation and evaluation, the Community Planning Manager realizes Trailnet’s mission in planning environmental changes to promote lovable urban places. Together with the CEO, the Community Planning Manager conceives and implements a comprehensive strategy to grow our fee-for-service planning program in a way that is consistent with our values and policy principles.
Reporting Relationships
The Community Planning Manager supervises the Program Coordinator, manages consultant relationships, and oversees planning and community engagement efforts and associated activities that impact urban design.
The Community Planning Manager reports to the Chief Executive Officer. This position works in collaboration with the Trailnet staff to deliver services that integrate public health, urban planning and advocacy.
This position works closely with Trailnet’s Policy Director, to identify and address barriers to creating more multimodal transportation options and find new ways to increase equitable public and neighborhood-level engagement.
Responsibilities
Planning and Community Engagement
Seek out and build relationships with community leaders, metropolitan planning organizations, elected officials, and state and federal level administrators to inform and transform communities through healthy design that accommodates all modes of active and motorized travel
Plan and implement community engagement efforts to elicit critical information for bicycle and pedestrian planning projects, identify issues of importance, develop and adapt solutions, and prioritize needs
Develop and maintain familiarity with current and future activities of key agencies and programs (Local, State and Federal Transportation entities, Safe Routes to School, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Recreational Trails, Street departments, Metro East Parks and Recreation District, Great Rivers Greenway, BiState Metro, etc.)
Lead and assist project partners with field investigations and analysis of data
Work with federal, state, and local governmental agencies to manage, develop, and negotiate bicycle and pedestrian planning projects, including master plans
Produce high-quality deliverables
Develop internal standards for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and assure standards are incorporated into all of our efforts
Initiate and follow through on data collection such as requesting and collecting existing data from municipalities on streets, trails, parks, public facilities, and neighborhoods, etc.
Produce technical documents like plans, reports, maps, GIS analyses, etc.
Approve all recommendations, communications, and collateral concerning bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and related safety claims
Project management skills
Develop fee-for service planning program to enhance and grow our consulting work with strategic marketing and partnerships
Design and manage projects including project justification, cost estimating, budgets, reports, data collection, and contracts
Assist other Trailnet staff on shared initiatives, large annual events, and mission related projects, as appropriate
Qualifications
Masters degree in urban planning or a closely related field with two years relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree plus four years relevant experience.
Experience with local governments, multimodal planning, grant writing, and project administration is a must
Must be highly computer literate (GIS software, G-Suite, Microsoft office, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling design software, etc.)
Must be at ease with public meetings, presentations, and marketing the program.
AICP certification preferred
Requirements
Job-specific knowledge & experience
Knowledge of Complete Streets, street design standards, and bicycle facility types as tools for creating livable communities that promote active living
Familiarity with NACTO, AASHTO and MUTCD guidelines
Experience with racially-equitable community engagement, strong cultural competency
Ability to connect bicycle and pedestrian planning to larger public health issues, identifying opportunities for complementary programs and policy
Familiarity with the St. Louis civic community is a plus
Ability and interest in presenting case studies and success stories to local, regional, and national level conferences
General ability & skills
Ability to manage multiple projects with multiple partners and differing deadlines
Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, systems thinking, and visualization skills are essential
Ability to think strategically, including systems level thinking, ability to optimize systems and resources, and ability to think ahead to next steps
Ability to work independently and manage self and partners toward goals, while being a genuine “team player”
Ability to work in a fast moving environment; ability to work with fast-paced colleagues
Compensation and additional information
Salary commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package and flexible work schedule available. This exempt, full time position has a base salary range of $45,000-$55,000 per year.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to support diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, faith background, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Work Conditions:
Office Environment with flexible work-from-home options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dependable high-speed internet is required for frequent video calls via Zoom and Google Meet.
The Community Planning Manager should have a presence at numerous community indoor and outdoor engagement events in the bistate region. Events include tabling, neighborhood association meetings, stakeholder meetings, traffic calming demonstrations, etc. Additional outdoor Trailnet events include: bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
To apply
Email your cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org. Resumes accepted until the position is filled.
