Policy

Trailnet works on local, state, and federal policy to remove barriers and create incentives for walking and biking. If there is a policy you would like to discuss or introduce, send us a note at advocacy@trailnet.org. 

Local

Safe Streets Ordinance

Trailnet, Paraquad, and Alderman Ogilvie worked together in 2012 to create a Safe Streets ordinance to protect people who walk and bike from endangerment and assault. The policy began as an Anti-Harassment ordinance that was introduced on National Bike to Work Day, May 18, 2012. Through the policy process, we were able to add extra protections that explicitly make it illegal to threaten or place in danger any user of the road, whether they be walking, biking, or driving. This includes throwing objects at people, and knowingly engaging in conduct that creates a risk of death or serious physical injury. The Safe Streets policy will create legal repercussions for drivers that run bicyclists off the road. Penalties can range from $100-$500 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days.

We partnered with Paraquad to create an updated definiton of pedestrian rather than the current one "a person afoot." It encompasses all forms of locomotion including the use of mobility assistance devices. The bill passed unanimously out of the Public Safety Committee of the Board of Aldermen on October 5, 2012 with testimony from multiple agencies and individuals, and passed through the Board of Aldermen on October 19, 2012. Click here for full text of the bill.

Jean Ponzi of Growing Green and Earthworms invited Alderman Ogilvie and Trailnet staff into her studio for discussion of the law. Listen to the 11-04-12 show on the Big 550 KTRS!

Form-based Code Ordinance

Jennifer Allen, Mayor's Vanguard Cabinet member and Trailnet staff, worked with the City of St. Louis surrounding form-based codes which eventually lead to the creation of a form-based code ordinance that was introduced in June 2012.

This new ordinance will allow neighborhoods in St. Louis to modernize their zoning by becoming Form-Based Districts. This updated zoning code designation ensures that development fits the historic style of a neighborhood, and contributes to comfortable, vibrant, and human-scaled streets. It encourages local entrepreneurs to open neighborhood stores, cafes, and other amenities that people can reach on foot or by bike.

Mixed-use development in St. Louis City has long been constrained by the current zoning code. The passage of the ordinance, accomplished on July 13, 2012, will advance efforts in the City to make streets and neighborhoods more bikeable, walkable, and livable!

More information about form-based zoning codes can be found here.

For the full text of the ordinance, click here.

State

2012 Legislative Priorities

Trailnet participates on the Missouri Bicycle Federation Legislative Committee and partners with bicycle and pedestrian groups across the state to draft, introduce, and advocate for improved state policies. Click here to check out the outcomes of the 2012 legislative session.

Federal

MAP-21 Transportation Bill

Staff and members worked hard to fight for funding for walking and biking, and made significant progress with our Missouri elected officials. We met with Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill's offices several times to lobby for dedicated funding. Advocates across the state made their voices heard, and legislators paid attention. While overall walking and biking funding has decreased, it is a victory that we maintained any dedicated funding in the face of fierce opposition. Thank you for all your calls and letters - they made a difference!

The League of American Bicyclists and Advocacy Advance have created a great webpage to answer all of your MAP-21 questions and provide resources on this topic.