[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.
Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Bottleneck Bridge Ride, proudly brought to you by Trailnet, the Festus Tourism Commission, the City of Festus, and the Jefferson County Growth Association. Affectionately known as “One Hill of a Ride,” this event promises a memorable journey through the heart of Jefferson County.
Begin your adventure amidst the lively atmosphere of Festus Main Street, where anticipation fills the air. With route options ranging from 17 to 67 miles, cyclists of all levels can explore the charming town centers and tranquil country roads that define the region. Along the way, discover rest stops at local wineries, restaurants, and historical landmarks like the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.
For the younger riders, there are exciting Strider races, courtesy of Living Life on 2 Wheels, adding an extra dash of fun to the day. And after the ride, linger awhile to enjoy live music, delicious dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
Join us for a day of cycling, community, and celebration at the Bottleneck Bridge Ride—an event that promises unforgettable moments and the simple joy of exploring the great outdoors.
Registration includes:
Exclusive Bottleneck Bridge 2024 T-shirt
Complimentary Beer and Fitz’s Beverages
Well-stocked rest stations
Kaldi Coffee for morning fuel
SAG support
Post-ride street party with live entertainment
Vendor stations with giveaways and engagement
Entry to win a fun Festus raffle basket
Schedule
6:30 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging for all routes begins
7:45 am – Registration closes
8 am – rolling group start led by a police escort. Once riders have been escorted into Crystal City, they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the Cities of Festus and Crystal City.
11 am – live music starts and food vendors open up
12 pm – Kid’s race begins under the Trailnet arch at the start/finish line
We are thrilled to offer you a wild bike journey through the lush landscapes of Wildwood, MO!
With carefully planned routes catering to various skill levels, participants can expect an adventure filled with ups and downs, traversing some of the region’s most stunning parks and wildlife areas.
For those seeking a less demanding ride, shorter distances are available, ensuring energy reserves for the lively post-ride celebration. Meanwhile, participants looking for a challenge can tackle longer courses featuring Category 3 climbs with gradients exceeding 10%.
Regardless of the chosen route, cyclists can anticipate a well-deserved post-ride party to celebrate their accomplishments. This event is a fantastic opportunity for biking enthusiasts to experience the beauty of Wildwood, MO, while pushing their limits and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders.
Schedule
6:30 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging for all routes begins
7:45 am – Registration closes
8 am – Rolling group start led by a police escort. The group start is not optional and is required by the City of Wildwood.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge is turning another year older, and what better way to celebrate than with a Birthday Bash Bike Ride!
That’s right, the BBB Classic is back for 2024 and better than ever! Come out on Saturday, May 18th, to commemorate the 95th Birthday of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and enjoy a part of St. Louis history. We have routes planned for folks of all comfort levels, fun festivities with food and libations, and, of course, there will be cake!
The Bridge Birthday Bash is your chance to enjoy unique routes on relaxed back roads, greenways, and the Madison County Trails. This ride is perfect if you’re new to biking or just got back into it. We have everything from a three-mile family fun roll to a 55-miler for those who want to pay it forward and earn themselves an extra slice of cake.
Saturday’s Schedule:
Check-in and late registration begins at 7:30 am. Look for the blue Trailnet tents.
The ride will have an open start window from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Be sure to have the latest route updates downloaded for directions.
8:45 am: Staging for family (3.7 mile) route.
9 am: Family Route begins, led by Trailnet Staff
10 am: Post-ride festivities begin.
Family yard games, beverages, and cake will be available and included in the registration cost. Food trucks will be on-site with additional meal options available for purchase.
Special Engagement!
As part of our May National Bike Month programming, we are proud to offer you a chance to see a screening of Bike Vessel; a moving documentary about a filmmaker and his father’s incredible journey to health. Tickets are free and will be offered as an add-on during registration.
May 20th 2024. 6-9 PM
UHSP Auditorium
1 Pharmacy Place, St. Louis, MO 63110
Chain of Rocks Park Grand Opening Celebration Ride
We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Chain of Rocks Bridge Park! On April 14th, 2024, we will celebrate the opening with an five-mile family-friendly bike ride that begins at Chouteau Island Trailhead and ends at the grand opening celebration in the beautiful new grounds on the MO side of the Chain of Rocks Bridge. There, you will enjoy a wonderful celebration of the progress that Great Rivers Greenway and its partners are bringing to the region.
For more information and to register, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/GraniteCity/ChainofRocksParkGrandOpeningCelebrationRide
Two Lifetime Advocates Making St. Louis Better for People Who Bike, Walk and Roll
Q&A with Bill and Carla Sauerwein, owners of Pedego St. Louis
Conducted by Trailnet Marketing & Communications Coordinator Justin Seaton
Justin: Hi Bill! I understand you and Carla have long histories as bike/walk advocates. Tell me about how you got involved in this world.
Bill: Both Carla and I have been cyclists all of our lives. Carla is a pediatric RN and for years ran the St. Louis SAFE KIDS Coalition. She led education and advocacy to prevent childhood injury, including supplying and promoting bike helmets and car seats. I served as Mayor of the City of Oakland form 1997 – 2001 and with the idea of providing safe streets and walkways for residents, constructed almost all of the sidewalks you see in the city of Oakland and redesigned many of the streets. As Mayor, our city-wide capitol improvements plan was nominated for a state-wide landscape architect design award.
J: How did you first become involved with Trailnet? Tell me about your partnership with us over the years.
B: I suppose my first connection to Trailnet came when I attempted to acquire a small strip of abandoned railroad property within the City of Oakland in order to construct a park. In that process, I met Ted Curtis, then the Director of Trailnet, who introduced me to Trailnet and its mission. Trailnet ended up completing the northern leg of the Grant’s Trail with the property and the City constructed a park around the trail. Our store is adjacent to the park. Thereafter, Carla and I became supporters of Trailnet, participating in Trailnet rides and learning about the many projects undertaken by Trailnet.
More recently, as we met the dedicated staff of Trailnet—Cindy, Corrine, Kevin and others—and witnessed firsthand their hard work and dedication, we knew that Trailnet was an important organization to support. We share its mission…. and over the years we have helped raise funds so that they can continue to make streets and trails safer and available to all.
J: When/How did you open Pedego St. Louis, and how has your business connected you to the St. Louis cycling community?
B: We opened Pedego St. Louis in June, 2019 by rehabilitating an old, run-down building adjacent to Grant’s Trail in Oakland. From our location, we meet and talk to cyclists and trail users every day. We have greatly expanded the cycling community by putting people back on bikes that had for one reason or another gotten away from cycling. We have gently introduced the St Louis cycling community to electric bikes which are now widely used for commuting, leisure riding, trail riding and for the all around enjoyment of bicycling.
J: Speak briefly about the E-Bike that you are contributing to Trailnet’s upcoming raffle (winner to be announced at the 2023 Paving the Way Soiree)
B: The bike we have donated to Trailnet this year is a Pedego Avenue. Since this model was introduced a year ago, it has become the number one selling Pedego Electric bike. The Avenue utilizes a “hybrid style” frame that is familiar to everyone and is a great bike for riding and commuting on streets and paved trails. It is quality-designed, lightweight and balanced. Like all Pedego Electric Bikes, it comes with a 5 year warranty that includes the electrical components. Everyone loves this bike.
Spire and Trailnet Collaborate on New Bike Path at Bayless Elementary
A team of Spire volunteers constructed an all new walking and biking path on the property of Bayless Elementary School this summer!
The project was the result of a collaboration between Trailnet, Spire and Bayless Schools, funded by Spire Serves and carried out by volunteers through Spire’s Day for Good program.
The trail will connect the surrounding neighborhood with the school and provide awesome opportunities for bike education and recreation for Bayless students.
“We love opportunities like this,” said George Godat, Vice President and General Manager MoEast at Spire. “We provide opportunities for our employees to do a day of good in the community each year, and we also have dollars that we put into the community. Trailnet was able to apply for some funds from our Spire Serves program. We gave them $10,000 to provide the materials and labor, then our team came out and got to work. It was the perfect partnership for us and something we’re really excited about.”
Thanks to the Spire Team for cranking out a beautiful path that will result in years of recreation and bike education for our young neighbors!
