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Announcing: 2024 MAP Awards Winners

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At Paving the Way 2024, Trailnet will introduce the winners of the 2024 MAP Awards, an award series that acknowledges the contributions of exceptional Trailnet Members, Advocates, and Partners.

To see last year’s winners, click here. 

Outstanding Trailnet Members

This award honors an outstanding Trailnet Member who has demonstrated a commitment to fighting for Streets for All. This individual or family has invested significant resources—money, time or energy—into advancing Trailnet’s mission. They inspire others to join the fight.

2024 Winners: Barbara and Bob Lindecke

Barbara and Bob have been consistent Trailnet members since 1994, making this year their 30th anniversary as Trailnet members!

Barbara and Bob love to take walks on Grant’s Trail. Bob became the Eagle Scout Project Coordinator for Grant’s Trail when he retired. He also worked with several AmeriCorp groups that helped improve the trail in the late 90s.

Not only do they give generously as Peloton Society members, but they also love to come to Trailnet events to learn more about bike/ped advocacy. They joined us for the Walking Tour of Louisiana Calm Street, where they insisted on helping set up the table when they arrived a little early. Barbara and Bob are steady, generous supporters of our work.

Outstanding Streets for All Advocate

This award honors an individual, family or organization that has fought for policies that make our region better for people walking, biking or using public transportation. The honoree has advanced specific advocacy campaigns that have resulted in safer streets for all users. They are exemplary advocates.

2024 Winner: Anne Schweitzer

For years, Hon. Anne Schweitzer has used her voice and influence to protect vulnerable road users in St. Louis.

During her time as Chairwoman of the Public Infrastructure and Utilities committee, Alderwoman Schweitzer has passed significant legislation to protect people who walk, bike and catch the bus in the City of St. Louis. She shepherded key legislation including BB120, BB105, Vision Zero and Complete Streets.

In addition to using her legislative power, Hon. Schweitzer has also used her voice and personal life as an example for others. In 2023, she wrote an op-ed in the Riverfront Times entitled “What I’ve Learned Being ‘Car-Light’ in St. Louis for 6 Months” and shared both the joys and difficulties of getting around the city with limited access to a personal vehicle. This year, she organized a bike bus to city hall for the passage of the Complete Streets Bill. She joined other bike buses and events organized by the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians to bring public attention to street safety issues and worked with the community and the city to create a monthly “car free” week in Carondelet Park.

Outstanding Streets for All Partner

This award honors an individual, family or organization that has worked hand-in-hand with Trailnet and other community members to fight for Streets for All. The honoree has contributed essential knowledge, skills, time and resources to a project that spurred progress in the region. They are passionate, multi-dimensional allies who share our vision.

2024 Winner: Kelly McGowan & Transform 314

Kelly McGowan, MPH, is a proud St. Louisan and Health Equity Advocate.

Kelly is the founder and Executive Director of Transform 314, an organization whose mission is “to educate, engage, and empower Black St. Louisans to drive policy changes at the local level needed to create thriving communities.” Kelly is also the Policy & Membership Experience Manager for the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence.

Kelly and Transform314 launched a project which surveyed Black residents in St. Louis about the challenges they are facing in their communities. Traffic violence and street-related issues were top concerns. Kelly and Transform314 hosts monthly Community Meet Ups to “facilitate dialogue between elected officials and residents, so that we all understand our roles and responsibilities concerning the betterment of our communities.” Traffic violence is a common topic, and Kelly is inspiring people to take action.

Beers with Engineers

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Trailnet invites you to Beers With Engineers, an event built for planning, design, and development professionals, academics and advocates interested in improving mobility in the St. Louis metro region. Enjoy an evening of collaborative activities, networking, snacks, and—you guessed it—local beer. Local experts on human-centered roadway design will share the tools you need to continue making St. Louis streets safe for ALL. 

Shaun Tooley, AICP, Transportation Planning Specialists at MODOT will review key tools from the new Blueprint for Arterials, published by MODOT and East West Gateway. Then, hear from Joanne Stackpole, PE, PTOE, Associate, Senior Transportation Engineer at CBB, who will present the City of St. Louis Traffic Calming Engineering Guidelines. After the presentation, you’ll have a chance to work together to practice putting those tools to work.

The 2nd annual Beers with Engineers event is hosted by Trailnet with support from the Missouri Foundation for Health, HOK, and CBB Transportation Engineers + Planners. Beer and root beer are donated by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and Fitz’s Root Beer respectively. 

Trailnet’s Beers with Engineers is free thanks to the partners listed above, but registration is requested at https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/TrailnetBeerswithEngineers24

 

2024 Beers with Engineers Details

WHAT: Trailnet’s Beers with Engineers

WHEN: October 22, 2024; 5 – 7:30 pm

WHERE: HOK, 10 S Broadway Ste 200, St. Louis, MO 63102

WHO: For planning, design, and development professionals, academics and advocates interested in improving mobility in the St. Louis metro region. Speakers include the Trailnet planning team; Shaun Tooley, AICP, Transportation Planning Specialists at MODOT; and Joanne Stackpole, PE, PTOE, Associate, Senior Transportation Engineer at CBB.

WHY: Learn the tools you need to continue making St. Louis streets safe for ALL

HOW: Sign up for free at https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/TrailnetBeerswithEngineers24 and share the invitation with friends and colleagues!

 

About Trailnet

Trailnet is your local advocate for better biking, walking and public transportation.

MISSION: Trailnet’s mission is to lead in fostering healthy, active, and vibrant communities where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life.

VISION: Streets for All

PROGRAM AREAS: We pursue our mission and vision through 4 primary program areas: 1) Community Planning, 2) Policy, 3) Bike Rides, and 4) Education and Encouragement.

Union Blvd Redesign Falls Short

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Trailnet, the regional nonprofit dedicated to Safe Streets for All, has reviewed the newly-released design changes proposed by the City Board Of Public Service for Union Blvd from Delmar to West Florissant.  

If well-executed, this ARPA-funded project could transform Union, helping connect people on bikes between Bellefontaine Cemetery and Forest Park. However, the majority of the currently proposed design changes are minor and would maintain the status quo on Union. 

First, community outreach and engagement has fallen short for all of the ARPA-funded projects, and Union is no exception.  

As to the design changes on Union: There is a new road diet proposed with buffered bike lanes between MLK and Natural Bridge. North of Natural Bridge, however, Union would remain essentially unchanged. There are numerous right turn lanes proposed throughout the road diet section, and in some cases, these dedicated right turn lanes are for streets that are only one block long. Dedicated right-turn lanes create dangerous conflicts between cyclists and drivers, and at their core, are the opposite of traffic calming. Right turn lanes serve solely to get slow-moving, turning vehicles out of the way as they turn. This allows vehicles behind the turning car to continue straight ahead without slowing down. When this is paired with Union’s very straight and flat nature, reckless, high speed driving is sure to continue. 

As with previous traffic engineering studies of Kingshighway and Jefferson, the lack of protected bike lanes and continuation of unprotected, painted bike lanes is very disappointing. If the City is serious about championing Safe Streets for All, staff will change this design proposal, and others, to make all streets and sidewalks accessible for all residents.  

Trailnet encourages you to provide your feedback on this plan by submitting comments here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MHWQRRZ

For more information concerning the traffic engineering plans, and Trailnet’s recommendations, please contact planning@trailnet.org.

April 2024 Policy Update

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In 2024 alone, Trailnet’s advocacy has resulted in the City of St. Louis making the following policy changes:

  • Resolution 200, Adopting a Vision Zero Policy:
    • Initiates planning for a Vision Zero policy and strategy to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries in the city.
      • Resolution 200 was passed with a recommendation of “do pass” during the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee meeting on 4/3.
      • We encourage you to reach out to your elected officials to express your support for a Vision Zero commitment from The City, supported by a strong Vision Zero action plan. Learn more from the Vision Zero Network.
  • Board Bill 105, Establishing the Automated Camera Enforcement Act:
    • Initiates the use of automated enforcement cameras, a research-based strategy that is effective in preventing speeding and running red lights.
      • Mayor Jones approved the bill on 4/17.
  • Board Bill 106: Establishing the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Improvement Fund and authorizing the appropriation of those funds:
    • Allocates a portion of the funding from automated enforcement fines to safety improvements in high crash areas.
      • The bill passed the board 15-0 on 4/15 and awaits the Mayor’s approval.
  • At the City Charter Commission: Initial approval to put the formation of a City Department of Transportation on the November 2024 ballot, which would be a major step towards improving coordination and efficiency in managing the City’s transportation network.

To receive updates like these directly to your inbox, subscribe here to join Trailnet’s St. Louis Cyclist Advocacy Network (or “STL CAN”) — a group of people who want to stay in the know on the policies, projects and issues that are affecting people on bikes in St. Louis.

Public Art Community Ride

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Description

Embark on a beloved Trailnet Community Ride tour led by Dana Gray, an art consultant. Explore the rich art history of St. Louis as you visit various sites and delve into their stories. Join us for an enlightening journey through the city’s vibrant artistic heritage!

Check back soon for ride starting location, route, and program.

The ride will depart at 10 a.m. Check-in begins at 9 a.m.
Approximate End Time: 12 pm

About Trailnet Community Rides

Trailnet Community Rides are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community.

Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.

Community Rides registration is capped at 75 participants. A smaller group allows us to safely manage riders on open city streets, ensures our docents/guides can effectively deliver information, and guarantees that local stops (museums, churches, businesses, etc.…) won’t be overwhelmed when we roll up.

Ride Website

Additional Ride information can be found at http://www.trailnet.org/rides.

Ride Eternal – Cemeteries of Yore

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Description

Get ready for a bone-chilling adventure on October 19th with our Community Ride departing from South Side Cyclery. Led by Amanda Clark from the Missouri Historical Society, we’ll explore the haunted history of former cemeteries in the South City area. Don’t miss this ride—it’s sure to send shivers down your spine!

About Trailnet Community Rides

Trailnet Community Rides, presented by the Missouri Historical Society, are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community.

Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.

Community Rides registration is capped at 75 participants. A smaller group allows us to manage riders on open city streets safely; ensures our docents/guides can effectively deliver information; and guarantees that local stops (museums, churches, businesses, etc…) won’t be overwhelmed when we roll up.

Route:  

Check-in: 9 am

Ride Start: 10 am

Place

6969 Gravois Ave
St. Louis, MO US 63116

Ride Website

Additional Ride information can be found at http://www.trailnet.org/rides.

Jewish History Community Ride presented by Jewish Federation of St. Louis

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Description

Back by popular demand! Join us as we highlight Jewish History in St. Louis, MO.  Warren Rosenblum, Professor of History at Webster University, and Amanda Clark from the Missouri Historical Society will lead us on a tour of four key locations, each significant to the St. Louis Jewish community.

The 2024 Jewish History Ride is presented by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

About Trailnet Community Rides

Trailnet Community Rides, presented by the Missouri Historical Society, are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community.

Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.

Community Rides registration is capped at 75 participants. A smaller group allows us to manage riders on open city streets safely; ensures our docents/guides can effectively deliver information; and guarantees that local stops (museums, churches, businesses, etc…) won’t be overwhelmed when we roll up.

Route:  

Check-in: 9 am

Ride Start: 10 am

Place

225 S Skinker Blvd
St. Louis, MO US 63105

Ride Website

Additional Ride information can be found at http://www.trailnet.org/rides.

Giro Della Montagna

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The Giro Della Montagna (“Tour of The Hill” in Italiano) is our showcase of the City of St. Louis. Giro bursts onto the scene with vibrant energy, swapping the serene forest green for the fiery allure of red brick. Its winding paths weave through the heart of iconic neighborhoods like St. Louis Hills, Carondelet, and the Central West End, offering a thrilling adventure for cyclists. This urban journey adds a dash of metropolitan flair to our roster, providing the ideal counterpart to our rustic escapades. Embark on the Giro and experience the pulse of the city like never before.

After the ride, stick around on The Hill to watch some exciting bike racing during The Gateway Cup brought to you by Big Shark Bicycle Company. 

 

Schedule

6:30 am – Registration & check-in opens
7 am – 8 am – Open start window (details below)
10:30 am – Gateway Cup racing begins! (Giro Della Montagna Event Page)

Start Location: Eastern corner of Botanical and Marconi, 2400 Block of Marconi Avenue

Open Start

Riders can start anytime between 7 and 8 a.m. but must leave before 8:00 a.m. The purpose of the 8:00 a.m. cutoff time is to help us manage SAG and Rest Stop support by knowing how many riders are out on the course. If we allow riders to start later than 8:00 a.m., we must keep rest stops open much later in the day, which strains our amazing volunteers who have given their time to keep you hydrated and fed. We appreciate your cooperation.

 

New for 2024!

We have partnered with our friends from the World Affairs Council STL to incorporate a community bike ride during the Giro Della Montagna!

Have you ever wondered how international community members have shaped the development of St. Louis into the vibrant city we know today? Join Trailnet and the World Affairs STL for a group bike tour of St. Louis neighborhoods and cultural history to learn more. This ride within a ride will feature presentations at several distinct locations, each with unique and noteworthy historical significance.

Route and content information will be emailed on or before 6/5/24.

 

Place

2401 Marconi Ave
Saint Louis, MO US 63110

Ride Website

Additional Ride information can be found at http://www.trailnet.org/rides.

“Drive the Change” Kickoff Event

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect opportunity for you to be a part of a changing culture around driving safety.
Trailnet is inviting you to “Drive the Change” by pledging to put your phone down and buckle up every time you drive.
Stop by our kick-off event outside Pedego St. Louis (located on Grants Trail!) on Saturday, April 6 any time from 10 am to noon. Learn more about the campaign, sign the pledge, enjoy a treat and pick up a car magnet and yard sign to show your support.
You know that distracted driving is dangerous. Now, it’s also illegal thanks to the new Missouri Hands Free Law. By committing to driving distraction-free, you’re not just following the law — you’re actively contributing to a safer, more caring community.

Letter: City infrastructure plans must look beyond just pavement

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Originally published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Recently, Aldermanic President Megan Green, on St. Louis Public Radio’s Politically Speaking, spoke on the need to address traffic safety during the upcoming aldermanic session. Trailnet, the regional nonprofit dedicated to safe streets for all, has several recommendations for Aldermen to consider.

First, the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds in Ordinance 71650 must include community engagement and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The city cannot pave and stripe its way to safety for all; protective infrastructure changes must be made.

The aforementioned can be done by enacting new Complete Streets legislation. The City’s current Complete Streets guidelines were recently scored 30 out of 100 by Smart Growth America. A more rigorous complete streets policy, strictly adhered to by city officials, would increase safety for people walking, biking and driving.

Trailnet supports Board Bill#105 on automated enforcement and Board Bill#106 concerning surveillance and the establishment of a Neighborhood Traffic Safety Fund. We are, however, concerned with Board Bill #185 regarding surveillance. We recommend the establishment of a committee, made up of an equal number of residents and city officials, to create policies and monitor the implementation of all the bills.

Finally, keeping the public more informed on infrastructure changes and traffic safety is essential for a safer environment. Providing accessible updates on City infrastructure spending—perhaps on the City website—would promote transparency and allow the public to better understand how projects are progressing.

Trailnet stands ready to assist.

Sincerely,

Cindy Mense, Trailnet CEO