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!
Ride your bike between the Oak Bend and Grant’s View branches for prizes, kid’s programming, wellness activities, and more. In partnership with St. Louis County Library, Great Rivers Greenway, Historic Sappington House Museum, and Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. All ages. Learn more at https://ow.ly/BW5T50Ts7uR
Trailnet’s bicycle educator will walk you through removing and replacing a bike tire, patching and replacing an inner tube, and a handful of other tips and tricks to get you back on two (fully inflated) wheels in no time!
All ages, experience levels and abilities welcome!
For more information, contact Trailnet Bicycle Educator Sarah Heyman: sarah.heyman@trailnet.org
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.
[ST. LOUIS, MO/May 13, 2024] May 17 is National Bike to Work Day, the perfect occasion to see how the many benefits of biking can be a part of your regular work commute. Great Rivers Greenway, Metro Transit, Trailnet and Washington University in St. Louis have partnered to host “bike hospitality stations” at five MetroLink stations on National Bike to Work Day to support cyclists celebrating the holiday, promote biking and alternative transportation, and encourage more people to give biking a try.
“Our streets are for you. You deserve safe, convenient, affordable, environmentally sustainable and fun options for your commute. That might mean biking, walking, scooting, or catching a bus or MetroLink,” said Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet. “Every May during National Bike Month, we celebrate biking as an important part of that equation, while continuing to advocate for streets that are safe for everyone.”
On Friday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., bike commuters can visit any of five area hospitality stations located at the Clayton, Skinker, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Cortex and Stadium MetroLink Stations. Visitors will be able to enjoy free coffee, fruits, snacks and other refreshments, as well as a custom “I Biked to Work” sticker they can wear with pride. Cyclists can also receive a free Metro Transit Day Pass while supplies last, other giveaways and cycling information.
Combining your bike with MetroLink and/or MetroBus is a great way to extend the reach of the transit system and make your commutes quicker and more convenient. All MetroLInk trains have designated areas for commuters to store their bikes during their train trips, and commuters can also store their bikes on special bike racks attached to the front of all Metro buses. Transit customers can learn more about how to easily load their bikes onto buses and trains by visiting MetroStLouis.org/Bike-and-Ride.
“Our region enjoys an integrated transportation network with trails and greenways, bike paths and walkways, safe streets, buses, trains, and more. Combining different elements of this network is one of the best ways to travel around town,” said Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit. “National Bike to Work Day is the perfect excuse to stop procrastinating, get on your bike and see how you can incorporate cycling into your daily routine and enjoy more convenient, enjoyable and healthier commuting.”
For more information: Justin Seaton, Trailnet | justin@trailnet.org Jerry Vallely, Metro Transit | jmvallely@bistatedev.org | 314.982.1458
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.
St. Louis, MO – As Missouri approaches its first Distracted Driving Awareness Month with a Hands-Free Law on the books, Trailnet is committed to educating our neighbors about the benefits of staying focused on the road. That’s why Trailnet is launching its Drive the Change: Buckle Up Phone Down campaign, fueled by General Motors, this April.
We all know that distracted driving is dangerous. Now, it’s also illegal, thanks to the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, which went into effect on August 28, 2023. The new law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving. Learn more about the law here.
Starting this April, Drive the Change will recruit our neighbors to 1) sign the Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge 2) challenge friends and family to sign the pledge, and 3) display a car magnet and yard sign showing their support during April 2024.
The Buckle Up Phone Down pledge is a challenge initiated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to address the two most impactful actions a driver can take to prevent crashes or survive if one occurs.
Now is the perfect opportunity for Missourians to be a part of a changing culture around driving safety. By committing to driving distraction-free, you’re not just following the law — you’re actively contributing to a safer, more caring community.
Trailnet is partnering with other community organizations and businesses including the Hands Free Missouri Coalition, Alpine Shop, BWorks, Billy Goat Bicycles, Bike Walk KC, the Joplin Health Department, MoDOT, Ozark Greenways, Pedego St. Louis, and Southside Cyclery to spread the word about the campaign. Your organization or business can still get involved at trailnet.org/take-the-pledge.
Trailnet invites members of the public and the media to our Saturday, April 6 kick-off event outside Pedego St. Louis along Grant’s Trail, 801 S Holmes Ave, St. Louis, MO 63122. Stop by the kick-off event any time from 10 am to noon. Learn more about the campaign, take the pledge, enjoy a treat, take a ride or walk along Grant’s Trail, and pick up a car magnet and yard sign to show your support. RSVP at https://fb.me/e/6GmucysOM
Trailnet is the St. Louis-region non-profit advocating for better walking, biking and public transit. Founded in 1988, Trailnet’s vision is for Streets for All. Trailnet pursues this vision through four program areas: community planning, education, policy and bike rides. Learn more at trailnet.org or by following us @Trailnet on Facebook and X and @TrailnetSTL on Instagram.
Please reach out to Corinne Austin, Chief Operating Officer, corinne@trailnet.org or 314-520-2324 or Charles Bryson, Policy Catalyst, charles@trailnet.org or 314-560-8447 for more information.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
For more information about MoDOT and the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
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.
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 March 2024, we featured Kelly McGowan.
If you are civically engaged in St. Louis City, you’ve probably heard Kelly McGowan’s name, or at least the name of the organization she founded—Transform 314.
“Growing up here, I immediately understood there were two St. Louises—The one my family and I resided in, with other predominantly Black families; and the other one with predominantly white residents,” said Kelly. “I also saw the differences in resources, opportunities, and transportation infrastructure. As I became older and learned why that was, and how components of our built environments play a role in adverse health outcomes, I knew I wanted to help mitigate those issues…”
As Kelly dove into this work, she realized how integral local government is when it comes to shaping the fabric of our communities, and yet, how few people engage with their local government. “With this realization, Transform 314 was created to support Black St. Louisans to drive the changes to create equitable built environments,” said Kelly.
Lately, Transform 314 and Trailnet have been working together to ensure that our audiences understand the proposed changes coming to the built environment in St. Louis. Kelly has a knack for making local politics approachable and easy to engage with—join her email newsletter at the bottom of this page to tap in!
Letter: City infrastructure plans must look beyond just pavement
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.
