Every month, Trailnet celebrates a Trailnet Champion, someone helping to move the needle on the idea of streets for all. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Hobo Hub Works and its owner and operator Matt Steward.
For many people, bikes are about much more than recreation or exercise; they’re freedom, joy, transportation, community, and connection. That spirit is at the heart of what Hobo Hub Works owner and operator Matt Steward is building here in St. Louis.
After spending more than a decade working in bike shops, Matt began noticing something that didn’t sit right with him: despite cycling’s “green” reputation, the bike industry can produce a tremendous amount of waste through constantly changing technology and standards. Meanwhile, countless older bikes, many of them durable, repairable, and full of character, were being discarded simply because they weren’t shiny and new.
“I fell in love with the idea of these super durable and affordable used bikes that were simple to fix and maintain and last for decades,” Matt shared.
That philosophy became the foundation of Hobo Hub Works. What started as a basement side project in 2023 has now grown into a mission-driven shop focused on rescuing bikes from landfills and making cycling more affordable and accessible for everyone.
“I started Hobo Hub Works on the side as a way to keep some of these bikes out of landfills and get folks who can’t afford even the cheapest new bike at a bike shop a bike they can start riding on and fall in love with bikes the way I love bikes.”
That love of cycling — not as competition, but as joy, exploration, and community — shines through in every aspect of the shop.
Matt hopes Hobo Hub Works feels welcoming to anyone, regardless of their cycling background, experience level, or budget.
“I hope I’m creating a space where anyone is welcome, no matter your background in cycling, your knowledge of bikes, or your bank account. Everyone deserves a bike and an experience at a bike shop that isn’t snobby or not welcoming,” he said.
That mindset has helped create a unique atmosphere around the shop. Beyond repairs and bike sales, Hobo Hub Works has become a gathering space, a “third space” where people can connect face-to-face in an increasingly isolated world. Through community rides, partnerships, and educational events, Matt is intentionally building a culture centered on belonging and friendship.
“I envision a shop that people can come hang out at, creating friendships, memories, and fall in love with cycling in the non-competitive form,” Matt explained. “Don’t get me wrong, there is always a place for competition, but let’s not make everyone feel the need to be the best or fastest.”
That philosophy is reflected in the shop’s popular coffee-and-donut rides, where riders gather simply to spend time together outdoors and enjoy the city by bike. Hobo Hub Works has also hosted educational programming like Fly By Bike classes, helping more people feel confident and connected in the cycling community.
Matt sees Hobo Hub Works as one piece of St. Louis’ broader and wonderfully diverse bike culture.
“St. Louis has tons of amazing shops that all have their priorities and that’s what makes the cycling community in St. Louis so strong,” he said. “We need all these shops for every type of rider. More shops the better! More riders the better!”
That same spirit of collaboration is what led Matt to partner with Trailnet over the years, from supporting events like Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day and Bike Month to providing safety equipment for bike rodeos and youth programming.
“Trailnet is a real rad company that dips its toes in so many different realms of cycling here in St. Louis and helps create amazing rides for people to see different parts of the city, helps create safer streets for us commuters, invests in the community through children’s safety classes, and I couldn’t be happier to support them in any way I can,” Matt shared. “St. Louis is a different place with them and would be missing so much without them.”
We’re grateful for Matt’s partnership, his passion for building community, and his commitment to making biking more welcoming, joyful, and accessible for all. Thank you, Matt, for helping make St. Louis a better place to bike, and for reminding us that sometimes the best rides aren’t about speed or competition at all, but simply about connection.
Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Jay-Marie Hill is an incredible example of building community through biking, and they are our April Champion of the Month!
For Jay-Marie Hill (they/them), bikes are more than a way to get around; they’re a way to build community.
Whether they’re leading a ride, teaching a class, or volunteering at one of Trailnet’s Bike Rodeos, Jay-Marie creates spaces where people feel welcome to show up exactly as they are, whether they’ve been riding for years or are just getting started. Through their work with Black Trans Bike Experience (BTBE) and Fly By Bike Ride Skool & Culture Club, they’re helping more people access not just the mechanics of riding, but the joy, confidence, and connection that come with it.
Jay-Marie’s mother is an active cyclist, and passed on a love of traveling on two wheels. “I was given it as a gift,” Jay-Marie shared, reflecting on how biking first became part of their life. “And it’s something I can continue to pass on… to people who have not felt welcome or who just haven’t had the on-ramp that I’ve had.”
The idea of passing something along is at the heart of everything they do.
“I’m going to channel the people that have poured into me: my mom, other Black women riders, other Black queer and trans folks, leaders around the country,” Jay-Marie said.
In their work, Jay-Marie sees bikes as a way to help people reconnect — with their bodies, with their surroundings, and with each other.
“The through line is how you occupy space in your body. And sometimes that’s a terminology thing. It’s a gender thing. It’s a sexuality thing. It’s an identity thing. But the thing about bikes that I think I appreciate is that it’s really like a self-test, and it makes you get better when you have people. You sharpen each other, but ultimately you have to be the one to commit to your improvement, your forward motion.”
That philosophy comes to life through Black Trans Bike Experience.
Black Trans Bike Experience began as a bold idea: a multi-day ride from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. for the Trans March in 2019, rooted in building connections and celebrating the fullness of Black trans life. Since then, it has evolved into a series of rides, pop-ups, and collaborations that bring people together around bikes, community, and care.
But Black Trans Bike Experience is about more than that; it’s about creating space for Black trans and queer riders to exist fully and visibly, beyond the limited narratives that too often define them. Jay-Marie’s work centers life, joy, and growth, building a community where showing up as yourself is just the beginning.
As a League Certified Instructor (LCI) through the League of American Bicyclists, Jay-Marie brings both expertise and care to their teaching, helping riders build skills in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Fly By Bike, their new club, builds on that foundation, offering accessible, welcoming classes and group rides designed to help people feel more confident on a bike and more comfortable riding in community. Though classes have been in St. Louis, Jay-Marie also brought a Fly By Bike class to Washington, D.C. for the League’s most recent Bike Summit.
“It’s hard to learn in public,” Jay-Marie said. “So the goal is to hold a high standard so that it doesn’t take forever to teach you, so we can get to the rest of the work.”
That balance of high standards with deep encouragement is what makes their approach so impactful. Jay-Marie understands that learning something new, especially in a public space, can feel intimidating. So they lead with care, creating environments where people are not only allowed to try, but encouraged to.
That same spirit showed up when Jay-Marie volunteered with Trailnet at one of our recent bike rodeos, helping kids adjust their helmets and making sure their bikes were safe and ready to ride.
“I love kids,” Jay-Marie said. “I was a 4th grade and kindergarten teacher, so I have a natural knack for young folks and enjoying space and time. I just knew that I could offer something — both from my expertise as a BTBE group ride leader and just making people who have never done a task like a bike ride or a group ride feel safe enough to come outside a couple times. It’s really powerful to give people the gift of bikes, and I was grateful to join y’all that day.”
As a teacher at heart, Jay-Marie meets people where they are, creating space for new riders to build confidence and feel comfortable coming back again.
In a city where community runs deep, that perspective matters. Jay-Marie’s work helps fill gaps, creating more entry points for people to get involved, to build confidence, and to experience the freedom and possibility that biking can offer.
At Trailnet, we know that safer streets aren’t just about infrastructure; they’re about people. People who share what they’ve learned, who make space for others, and who help build a culture where everyone feels like they belong.
Jay-Marie is doing exactly that.
We’re grateful for the ways they continue to show up for this community, and for the care, intention, and connection they bring to every ride.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Reflection on Week Without Driving
As we reflect on Week Without Driving, our hearts are full… and broken.
Broken for every life traffic violence has stolen. Broken for the families and neighbors whose lives are forever changed.
But our hearts are also full of hope — because this week showed what’s possible when our community comes together.
A coalition of 17 organizations inspired St. Louisans to walk, roll, and ride in the shoes of vulnerable road users — many for the very first time.
We celebrated progress on a plan we first put forth in 2019: the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track, part of our larger Connecting St. Louis plan. 4,000 residents and 60 partner groups helped shape this step toward a safer, more connected city.
This collaboration didn’t start with Week Without Driving, and it won’t end there either. Earlier this year…
Four organizations stood with us to present the Transportation Infrastructure Mayoral Forum, to empower and educate voters.
We convened 23 businesses and organizations to celebrate Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day, to show our region how taking alternative transportation can better connect us to our communities.
Our annual Juneteenth Ride transformed into a powerful volunteer activation, as we worked with three organizations to bring food, water, hope, and joy to tornado-stricken communities.
We joined forces with two disability rights organizations for Accessibility by Design: Crafting Complete Streets for All, a workshop on Complete Streets and how we can all better advocate for improved accessibility in transportation infrastructure.
Hope in the midst of tragedy is not a crime. It’s what sustains us — and what propels us forward. Hope is resistance.
Because in the face of loss, anger, and inequity, choosing to believe in a better future — and to celebrate every step toward it — is an act of courage.
But the fight doesn’t end here.
Traffic violence continues to devastate lives across our region. Every person injured or killed on our streets is one too many.
Traffic violence is not the result of individual choices alone — it’s a systemic issue rooted in street design, policy decisions, and which communities have historically been prioritized or overlooked. Solving it requires comprehensive action: better infrastructure, equitable policy, community partnership, and cultural change.
That’s why we’re continuing the work. Trailnet will continue to leverage our expertise in planning, advocacy, and education to prevent traffic violence by…
partnering with Promise Zone communities to co-create safer streets.
equipping neighborhood organizations with tools to advocate for lasting change and empowering residents to engage with the processes that shape our streets for decades to come.
developing plans for safer walking and biking routes to school and funding partner-run bike buses and Earn-A-Bike classes through a Safe Routes to School grant.
We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse coalition of advocates and organizations around a single goal: ending traffic violence. We may have different tactics and approaches to advocacy. Instead of focusing on our differences, we choose to focus on our shared vision.
To our partners, supporters, and community: thank you. Your voices, stories, and advocacy make this movement strong.
The work continues.
The vision is clear.
Together, we’ll build a safer St. Louis for all.
Trailnet and Partners Celebrate Start of Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track
Cindy Mense, Trailnet CEO, speaks to supporters and members of the press in front of City Hall during a celebration for the start of construction on Tucker Boulevard on Sept. 30.
A vision for a more vibrant, connected, and welcoming downtown takes shape
Today, city leaders, advocates, and community partners gathered to celebrate the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track, a transformative project that will make downtown St. Louis more connected, welcoming, and vibrant.
Stretching nearly one mile from Washington Avenue to Chouteau Avenue, the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track will deliver safer, more organized infrastructure through the heart of downtown. The project is more than just a cycletrack; it also includes improvements in pedestrian safety, ADA-compliance, and bus stop access, creating a street that better serves everyone, no matter if they’re walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, or driving.
The project is a key piece of Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan, a long-term vision first launched in 2017 to create a citywide network of safe, connected routes linking neighborhoods, jobs, and destinations. The Tucker improvements represent that vision coming to life — a major step toward a St. Louis that is easier to navigate, more inviting to visitors, and more livable for all residents.
“This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when partners come together around a shared vision — a vision shaped by over 60 organizations and 4,000 residents — to design streets that put people first and connect everyday destinations through safe, convenient routes.” said Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet.
The City of St. Louis is implementing the project with federal TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) funding with design support and early advocacy from Trailnet, who was supported by partners including Greater St. Louis, PeopleForBikes, and the William A. Kerr Foundation. The project aligns with the City’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance multimodal connectivity throughout the region.
Upon its completion in Spring 2026, Tucker Boulevard will connect to existing and planned routes like the Chestnut Street bike lanes, Chouteau Avenue improvements, and the Brickline Greenway, serving as a vital link in St. Louis’ growing multimodal network.
“I’m thrilled about what we’re going to be doing here on Tucker Boulevard,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Along with other great infrastructure, this will connect these individual pieces into one great system, allowing St. Louisans and visitors to get around our city in safer, more enjoyable, and healthier ways.”
The press conference coincides with Week Without Driving, a national campaign led locally by Trailnet that invites participants to imagine what it’s like to rely on walking, biking, or transit for daily trips, and to experience firsthand the value of streets that work for everyone.
Left to right: Jen Wade, Area Engineer at MoDOT; Sarah Arnosky Ko, Vice President of Greater St. Louis Inc; Cara Spencer, Mayor of the City of St. Louis; and Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet
Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For September, we’re featuring Last Stop Bike Shop!
When you ride with Trailnet, chances are you’ve already benefited from the generosity and expertise of Last Stop Bike Shop — whether you knew it or not. Owners Aaron Grant and Casey Oliver have become some of the most reliable behind-the-scenes champions of our rides and events.
From running SAG support at Trailnet community and partner rides, to hauling our gear when needed, to coming into the Trailnet office for a “bike maintenance day” so our whole staff could keep riding smoothly — Last Stop Bike Shop shows up. And they do it with the same philosophy that drives their business: meet people where they are and keep them riding.
A whole-package approach to bike care
Aaron and Casey bring complementary strengths to their shop and the cycling community. “My specialty is fitting bikes correctly — making sure riders have the right saddle, proper leg extension, and the knowledge they need to have a great ride,” Aaron explains. “Casey is all about the nuts and bolts, keeping bikes running smoothly and on schedule. Together, we’re kind of the whole package.”
That combination makes Last Stop Bike Shop more than just a service counter — it makes them a trusted partner who can anticipate needs, listen carefully, and get riders back on their bikes with confidence.
Why Trailnet matters
The partnership between Trailnet and Last Stop Bike Shop goes beyond event logistics. “We enjoy our close relationship with Trailnet because, like us, they’re looking ahead — planning the future projects that make cycling better for everyone,” Aaron says. “Without advocacy and support, projects don’t get done. The future I want to live in has a lot more bicycles in it and a lot more walkable, bikeable infrastructure. Trailnet’s vision aligns perfectly with that.”
Building a bike-friendly future
Aaron describes himself as a “man of vision(s),” and his passion shines through in every conversation about cycling. For him and Casey, the joy of cycling isn’t something to keep to themselves — it’s something to share widely. “It is very rewarding to help someone discover a love of cycling,” Aaron says. “We want Last Stop Bike Shop to be a name people know for good fun, quality service, and helping grow the city’s bike paths and facilities.”
The shop already has plans for more events, partnerships, and classes, with big ideas on the horizon for 2026 and beyond. Their goal? To stay rooted in the St. Louis cycling scene for years to come, helping more people experience the joy of getting around by bike.
Last Stop Bike Shop embodies what it means to be Trailnet Champions. They don’t just fix bikes — they build community, support safer streets, and keep people riding. We’re grateful to have them as partners and friends in this movement.
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
Release: St. Louis Region Celebrates National Bike to Work Day on May 17
[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
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.
Join us for a captivating journey through time as we pedal along a 10-mile segment of the historic 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair marathon route. Led by the esteemed Amanda Clark of the Missouri Historical Society, this Trailnet Community Ride promises to be an unforgettable experience.
As we embark on our two-wheeled adventure, we’ll trace the footsteps of athletes from over a century ago, reliving the bizarre and controversial event that once filled the streets of St. Louis during the World’s Fair.
Along the way, Amanda will regale us with fascinating stories and insights into the significance of the 1904 World’s Fair and its impact on St. Louis. From architectural marvels to cultural exhibitions, we’ll uncover the legacy of this iconic event while pedaling through streets steeped in history.
Whether you’re a history buff, a cycling enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich tapestry of St. Louis’s past, this ride offers something for everyone. So saddle up, join us on this unique journey through time, and let’s explore the World’s Fair marathon route like never before.
The starting location and route are TBD. You will receive an email confirming updates closer to the event.
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.
This Juneteenth, celebrate St. Louis’s Black artists, musicians, and history with a bike ride featuring live music. Join Trailnet & 4 The Ville with support from the Missouri Historical Society, and Regional Arts Commission, on Saturday, June 15th, for a group bicycle ride with performances from area musicians and storytellers sharing the city’s history.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration features post-event activities and live music.
1:30 pm – rough estimation on ride returning to Tandy Recreation Center
Start Location: Tandy Recreation Center (4206 Kennerly Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113)
Routes Length (in miles): roughly 11 miles (leisurely riding broken up by four stops)
Terrain: Paved city streets
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.
