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2023 Trailnet Wrapped

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2023 was an outstanding year to be a “Trailnut”! (a nickname our team happily adopted following a cake decorating snafu at this year’s Ride the Rivers)

Together with our members, donors, sponsors, partners and neighbors, we celebrated some of the most significant wins EVER for people walking, biking and using transit in the St. Louis region.

We made a lot of progress, and we’re excited to move into the new year with a lot of momentum. Here’s some of what we accomplished:

2023 Stats

  • 2,919 riders ages 4 to 85 came from 21 states to join us at 11 bike rides
  • 195 people learned new bike skills and explored the greenways through our bike education programs funded by Great Rivers Greenway
  • We analyzed 736 crashes throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County to produce our 2022 Crash Report
  • Our advocacy team attended 111 community meetings, reviewed 15 bills, and testified at 6 hearings.
  • Our planning team engaged 220+ people at two traffic calming demonstrations
  • Along with BWorks, we surveyed Aldermanic candidates, received 9 responses, and published their positions on mobility issues
  • 8.41 miles of bike infrastructure is funded for construction in the City of St. Louis, much of it inspired by Connecting St. Louis and Trailnet’s other advocacy efforts
  • 350 crashes, $8.3 million in economic damages and one fatality were prevented by Missouri’s new Hands-Free driving law
  • 1,773 of you have donated or joined as members so far this year!
  • 142 people volunteered their time with Trailnet

Behind The Numbers:

$40 Million for Safer Streets

Years of conversations at community meetings, public testimonies and outspoken advocacy in pursuit of safer streets culminated in the signing of the St. Louis Safer Streets Bill (Board Bill 120) on March 1, 2023. Trailnet CEO Cindy Mense stood by the mayor’s side and gave remarks on behalf of all of Trailnet’s neighbors and supporters who stand to benefit from this unprecedented investment!

Trailnet will continue to engage with the City to make sure that this money is put to use efficiently, effectively and in the interests of all road users.

Distracted Driving Banned

For years, Trailnet and our statewide partners have recognized distracted driving as one of our most pressing problems. Along with other members of the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition, we have advocated tirelessly to get Missouri legislators on board with a hands-free driving law.

In July 2023, the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law was passed, making Missouri the 49th state to ban texting while driving.

In honor of the memory of Randall Siddens and countless other victims of distracted driving in Missouri, we are proud our state has finally taken this step forward.

St. Louis’ First Calm Street

A decade in the making, the Louisiana Calm Street Project finished Phase 1 of construction in Spring 2023.

This 1.1-mile corridor is a pilot project for the City’s Calm Streets initiative. The construction of phase 1 was the result of years of hard work and collaboration across the City. We look forward to seeing how this project will progress—eventually connecting two of our City’s largest parks and paving the way for future infrastructure improvements across our streets network.

Pop-Up Traffic Calming Demos

It can be hard to imagine what new infrastructure could look and feel like to walk, bike or drive through. That’s where traffic calming pop up demonstrations come in. We use temporary materials like brightly colored cones, tires and flowers to demonstrate a cross walk, bump outs, fewer driving lanes or a bike lane.

We hosted two of these this year: one for MODOT on Route D in St. Louis City and another on Park(ing) Day on Compton Avenue.

New Community Trail for South County Students

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 is an asset to the school’s bike education programs.

7th grader Sudais Abdirahman reminded us of the importance of getting outside and being active, saying, “It… gets my mind clear because the breeze gets in my hair and it’s… relaxing,”

Trailnet’s First Soiree

In our 35th year we tried something new.. and it was a rousing success!

Trailnet’s inaugural Paving the Way Soiree was a new take on our annual fundraising event—a night for us to celebrate with our friends and supports, to recognize the partners who make our wins possible and to raise a little money.

This year’s event also featured the presentation of our first ever batch of Members, Advocates and Partners (MAP) Awards. We can’t wait to build on this event and celebrate more deserving community leaders in the years to come!

Miles of Smiles at Trailnet Rides

Trailnet’s rides are a big part of how we carry out our mission. Rides provide a safe place for people to have fun on their bikes, meet other active people, explore their community, and make a statement with their presence that our streets are for PEOPLE! 

The best part of our rides are the smiles! You can’t help but smile when you’re riding your bike. It’s just fun!

Public Art Community Ride

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Public Art Community Ride: Trailnet’s favorite tour guide and art consultant Dana Gray (Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corp.) is back to show us more of St. Louis’ artistic marvels!

This year’s ride will highlight public art and places to gather, featuring the St. Louis Art Museum, The Kemper Art Museum, and Bill Christman’s sculpture garden in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. (with the man himself present to answer questions) Pedal with us from sculptures to paintings to public exhibits on this, our final ride of 2023!

 

Ride the Rivers Century presented by SSM Health

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Trailnet’s 2023 Ride the Rivers Presented by SSM Health is the most unique 100-mile ride in the Midwest. Challenge yourself on Trailnet’s flagship ride while experiencing some of the most amazing landscapes the area has to offer.

The route is the experience. Starting in the early hours of the morning, your adventure will take you all over the region. You’ll ride river ferries, rolling hills, and urban trails past orchards, prairies, small towns, and larger cityscapes. At your journey’s end, arrive at a block party at The Streets of St. Charles, featuring food, drinks, and a well-earned rest. This supported ride gives you a unique chance to crush 100 miles!

Want to join in on the century fun with fewer miles? The 100km Metric Century comes in at 64 miles! You’ll ride through many of the same landscapes as the 100-mile Century while enjoying the same benefits and support. The Metric Century isn’t lacking in beauty or difficulty.

What is included with my registration?

2023 limited edition Ride the Rivers socks
Chip timing
Professional photos
Rest stops and SAG support
Ferry rides
Goody bag with Trailnet stickers, local merchant coupons, and other fine swag
Post-event celebration including live music, award-winning food trucks, Urban Chestnut beer, and post-ride chiropractic adjustments by Logan University

Take advantage of early registration now, as prices will increase on August 1st.
Schedule

Check-in begins at 5:30 a.m.

Ride start time: 7:00 a.m. for full century | 7:15 for metric century

Start location: The Streets of St. Charles | 1520 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63303

Routes Lengths: 104 miles, 65 miles (route may change slightly due to construction at the time of marking)

Terrain: flat, rolling hills | mixed pavement

 

A HUGE thank you to this year’s sponsors: 

SSM Health, Streets of St. Charles, Logan University, Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., Pickle Juice Co., Kaldi Coffee

There is still time to join us as a sponsor! Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Don’t wait to sign up! The best pricing is early in registration. The cost will increase the closer we get to Sept. 30th.

 

Trailnet Members

Trailnet members receive a $15 discount on registration.* Members must claim their account in the Trailnet Members Club on Run Sign Up to receive the discount. Instructions here. Peloton Society members can register for 50% off. Check your email for a coupon code, or email memebrship@trailnet.org for assistance. Please note that free ride membership vouchers are not valid for the Century.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 30th!

 

*Thank you for being a Trailnet member! Trailnet is a non-profit charity, so we rely on your generosity to give back to our community. Your membership comes with free ride vouchers, which can be used for any regularly-priced Trailnet Classics ride. Ride the Rivers is our premium fundraising ride, priced to provide a higher quality ride experience than our other Classics AND to generate critical funding for our mission.

Try the Boschert Greenway

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Try the Boschert Greenway with us! Family-friendly, slow, and social, all ages and abilities are welcome on this ride. Our “Try the Greenways” series of rides are intended to introduce local Great Rivers Greenways trails to folks who don’t know about or use them.

 

The Boschert Greenway is in St. Charles County and links the Missouri River and Katy Trail, goes through Historic Downtown St. Charles, through Fox Hill Park, and up to New Town, a planned community within the city of St. Charles. You can also connect to St. Louis County and the Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee via a new protected walking and biking path on the 370 Discovery Bridge.

 

FREE. No registration is required.

Email Trailnet Bicycle Educator Sarah at sarah.heyman@trailnet.org with questions.

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 is less forest green and more red brick, featuring unique, bike-friendly routes through neighborhoods like St. Louis Hills, Carondolet, and the Central West End. The Giro is the perfect complement to our rural rides but with more big-city charm. 

 

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

 

Giro Della Montagna General Information

Ride Start Time: 8:00 am Group Start

Check-In Begins: 6:30 am

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

Routes Lengths (in miles): 4, 17, 31, 50

Terrain: Flat with some hills | Mixed Pavement

 

Giro Della Montagna Open Start

Riders will be allowed to start anytime after 6:30 am check-in but must leave before 8:00 am. If we allow riders to start later than 8:00 am, we have to keep rest stops open much later in the day which puts a strain on our amazing volunteers who have given their time to keep you hydrated and fed. They appreciate your cooperation and so do we. 

 

2023 JCS Bike for Heroes

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Join the Joshua Chamberlain Society as we unite for a common cause and raise funds at the 2023 JCS Bike for Heroes.

If you’re reading this, you’re invited to apply Trailnet’s discount codes at checkout!

  • Trailshort – $35 fee for routes 50 miles and shorter
  • Traillong – $60 fee for routes 80 miles and longer

Come join us and tour the flat farmlands of the Mississippi valley heading south out of Columbia, Illinois with views of the bluffs as we support our adopted Heroes. Registration opens at 6:00 A.M. with a group start at 7:00 A.M.

The 2023 JCS Bike for Heroes ride offers five different routes in distances of 10 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, 80 miles, and 100 miles. There will be several rest stops with snacks, drinks, and facilities available for your convenience. On the 25 and 50 mile routes, you will travel the flat farmlands and enjoy views of the Missouri and Illinois river bluffs.

The 80 and 100 mile routes extend through Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois where you will ride alongside bluffs and pass Fort De Chartres. Built in 1753, this site marks the location of the last of four successive French forts built during the colonization of the Illinois Country.

If you are unable to attend the event, but want to support an individual or team, or just want to make a donation to JCS click on the link below.

https://www.ms-stride.org/jcsbikeforheroes

Bottleneck Bridge Ride

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Presented by the Festus Tourism Commission, the City of Festus, Trailnet, and the Jefferson County Growth Association, the Bottleneck Bridge Ride has lovingly been called “One Hill of a Ride.”

 

Leaving from the festival atmosphere on Festus’ Main Street, with routes ranging from 17 to 67 miles, the ride takes you through the town centers and down the country roads of Jefferson County, with rest stops at local wineries, restaurants, and historical sites such as the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge. 

 

Plus, this year the Bottleneck Bridge Ride is an official Pedal the Cause Training Ride! Take this opportunity to prepare for the big weekend, September 23-24, 2023!

 

Also, for the kiddos, we have Strider races brought to you by Living Life on 2 Wheels. Come for the bike ride and stay for the live music, dining, and shopping.

 

General Information

Ride Start Time: 8 am

Check-In Begins: 6:30 am

Start Location: Main Street Festus

Routes Lengths (in miles): 13, 34, 41, 66

Terrain: Mostly Flat | Smooth pavement

 

Group Start

All riders will line up at 8 am and leave Main Street as a group led by a police escort at a controlled pace. Once riders have been escorted across Highway 67 they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the Cities of Festus and Crystal City.

Try the Dardenne Greenway

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Family-friendly, slow, and social, all ages and abilities are welcome on this ride. Our “Try the Greenways” series of rides are intended to introduce local Great Rivers Greenways trails to folks who don’t know about or use them.

 

This section of the Dardenne Greenway parallels Dardenne Creek in St. Charles County, north of Highway 64.

While it extends through a residential area and is near some commercial development, it feels rural and offers lots of green, open space to explore and enjoy.
It is part of the surrounding 80-acre Barathaven Park. Part of the greenway winds around a 15-acre lake, and along the way, you will see new wetlands that have been created to enrich the habitat of native animals and plants.
You can enjoy quiet and calming views of Dardenne Creek, stop and have lunch at a picnic table or sit on a bench to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Be sure to pay attention to the lovely native Missouri plantings that were specially selected not only for their hardiness and beauty but also to provide privacy to neighboring homes.

 

FREE. No registration is required.

 

Email Trailnet Bicycle Educator Sarah at sarah.heyman@trailnet.org with questions.

Try the St. Vincent Greenway

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Come celebrate the St. Vincent Greenway connection between St. Vincent County Park and the Rock Road Metro Station!
Enjoy free dessert and transportation safety activities (like how to load and unload your bike on a bus bike rack) from 6-7:30 pm! At 6:30 pm, join a guided greenway walk or bike ride. The greenway walk will be 2 miles total from the Rock Road Metro Station to St. Vincent County Park and back. The greenway bike ride will be 5 miles total from the Rock Road Metro Station to the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) campus and back.

Jewish History Ride

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The Jewish History Ride starts at the Missouri Historical Society Research Library—the old United Hebrew Temple on Skinker Blvd—Warren Rosenblum, Professor of History at Webster University, and guides from the Missouri Historical Society will take us on a tour of Jewish History in St. Louis.

Come for the synagogues, and stay for a good schvitz!

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.

Start: Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center 225 S Skinker Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105

Check-in: 9 am

Ride Start: 10 am

Location for the Jewish History Ride

225 S Skinker Blvd
St. Louis, MO US 63105

Ride Website

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