Changing policy and advocating for safer streets for all
Trailnet is working every day to address barriers to core transportation (walking, biking, and transit) in our community, here are some of our top policy priorities for 2025 and beyond:
Current Priority Campaigns
The St. Louis Safer Streets Bill (BB#120) Implementation – In 2023, Board Bill #120 (City Ordinance 71650) was signed, dedicating $40 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to improve transportation infrastructure in the City of St. Louis. The ordinance presents a historic opportunity, but its expedited timeline demands efficient and effective efforts. On December 31, 2024, the deadline was reached where ARPA funding had to be allocated to specific projects. Now, the allocated funding must be spent by December 31, 2026.
City Ordinance 71650 funds are dedicated to infrastructure changes, traffic calming, paving and striping, and ADA accessibility improvements. Through this process, Trailnet is tracking the planning, design, and construction of these funded projects, thus advocating for changes that are as protective and equitable as possible for all users.
Trailnet is also continuing active education and engagement with communities on what Ordinance 71650 entails, particularly how funding may be used to benefit those with greatest need
Drive the Change: Buckle Up, Phone Down – With the passage of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, Missouri became the 49th state to ban texting while driving. Trailnet is committed to educating our neighbors about the benefits of staying focused on the road through the Drive the Change campaign, powered by General Motors. Do your part by signing the Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge and promising to stay focused on the road.
Automated Enforcement – Trailnet supports the use of racially sensitive automated enforcement. Recent use by other communities has shown that automated enforcement can reduce the likelihood of fatal or incapacitating injuries by 39 percent on residential roads with speed limits of 25-35 mph.
Complete Streets – We are dedicated to improving local policies in the St. Louis region, particularly the development and implementation of Complete Streets policies. These policies seek to improve mobility for all users, regardless of mode of transportation. Recently we engaged with the City of St. Louis to advance an updated Complete Streets policy, Ordinance 71882. Over the years, we have also assisted in numerous new and updated transportation policies throughout the St. Louis area.
City Department of Transportation – On November 5, 2024, St. Louis City voted to approve a charter change to establish the City Department of Transportation. On July 1, 2029, the Street Department will become the City Department of Transportation, allowing for more staffing and improved long-term planning.
Long-Term Campaigns
Building Community Advocacy Capacity through Education – Advocacy is a team sport; when we show up, we win! In 2024, we want to find more ways to elevate the voices of advocates and help people who are new to the space gain the skills and knowledge needed to speak up effectively. We will continue to use the Safe Streets Glossary to educate on safer street designs, and highlight challenges related to the design and funding of projects.
Drivers Education – Currently 32 states require teens to take some form of drivers education before they can sit before a written and driving exam to get their driver’s license. Traffic Crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens, and per mile driven, teens are nearly three times as likely as drivers aged 20 or older to be in a fatal crash. By requiring drivers education courses in schools, we can prepare the next generation to safely interact with other modes of transportation on our streets.
Statewide Active Transportation Plan – Inspired by recent developments in Kansas, advocates in Missouri want leaders to begin developing a statewide active transportation plan as well. Trailnet is supporting these efforts through our work with partners across the state, including Missourians for Responsible Transportation, BikeWalkKC, Local Motion, and Ozark Greenways.
Click here to learn about Trailnet’s accomplishments from the distant – recent past!
Please contact us at advocacy@trailnet.org with any inquiries regarding our current priority campaigns.