Historical April–May 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
For 27 years Trailnet has been the St. Louis region’s leading organization for getting people moving. Trailnet works to make biking and walking better through advocacy, education, community planning, and organized rides.
This year Trailnet launched a new program, Walk Bike Ambassadors, to expand advocacy at the grassroots level through trained volunteers.
In January, twelve Walk Bike Ambassadors from the region were chosen from a field of 45 applicants. Ambassadors raise awareness of Trailnet in their neighborhoods, build relationships with community leaders, advocate for and against statewide legislation.
They also work to identify and resolve local safety and connectivity issues for those who walk and bike and on Trailnet campaign issues such as: Vision Zero – Traffic deaths are not an inevitable byproduct of transportation. Deaths and serious injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can be prevented. Cities across the U.S. are implementing Vision Zero plans and setting target dates to achieve zero traffic deaths. Stop for Pedestrians – Nine states require motor vehicles to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Most states, including Missouri, only require vehicles to yield.
With 22 pedestrian deaths in the city of St. Louis last year, and many more injured, the need to improve pedestrian safety is clear. Distracted Driving – Cell phone use while driving quadruples the risk of an accident, about the same as if the user were driving drunk. Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times greater than driving without distraction. Missouri is one of only four states without a ban on texting for drivers of all ages. Vulnerable users of the road – pedestrians and bicyclists – are most at risk from death or serious injury by a driver who is texting or talking on the phone. Trailnet is advocating for a state ban on texting while driving, as well as a law requiring use of a hands-free device when talking on the phone while driving.
The Walk Bike Ambassador for the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood is resident, Michele Oesch.
Please contact Michele at Michele.oesch@yahoo.com to volunteer, support, or help identify and address local safety issues for those who walk or bike.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_04.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
