So much has happened since our last newsletter! We celebrated construction on a project we first put forth in 2019, and we're getting ready for Paving the Way, our annual soiree, on Nov. 5. We'll also be toasting to our MAP Awardees that night - they're the outstanding member, advocate, and partners of the year. We've also got an update on our federal Safe Routes to School grant. Read on and be inspired! 

Paving the Way is Nov. 5!

Get ready to toast to safer streets! Our annual Paving the Way Soiree returns on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at The Hall at Olive + Oak in Webster Groves, and we'd love to see you there! 

Paving the Way is a cocktail-style event, and seating is casual and unassigned. Alexis Zotos is our MC for the night, and the mood will be celebratory, joyous, and downright fun! You'll get a chance to chat with Trailnet staff, MAP Awardees, and other fabulous folks accomplishing great things in St. Louis. Come hungry - we’ll have a great spread of appetizers and small bites, with options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests, along with complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Worried your tux or ballroom gown won't be ready in time? No worries, you can leave them at home. The dress code calls for style meets street safety - think hi-viz chic, bike jerseys with heels, and commuter couture! 

Get your tickets to Paving the Way

Trailnet Champions of the Month: Our MAP Awardees!

Our MAP Awards celebrate the outstanding Member, Advocate, and Partners of the year, and you'll be able to chat and mingle with them at the soiree. Because of their incredible contributions toward safer streets for all, we're also thrilled to have them as our Trailnet Champions of the Month!  

Sarah Hanly - Outstanding Trailnet Member

Sarah Hanly has been a dedicated advocate for safer streets and active transportation in St. Louis for more than a decade. A longtime Trailnet member and Peloton Society supporter, she turned personal experience into purpose after surviving a crash caused by a driver. Since then, Sarah has shared her story to push for policies that protect vulnerable road users, serving on the University City Traffic Commission, the St. Louis County Complete Streets Advisory Committee, and other local efforts to make our streets safer for everyone.

Matt Wyczalkowski - Outstanding Streets for All Advocate

Matt Wyczalkowski has been a steadfast advocate for safer streets in St. Louis for over a decade. He founded the SafeTGA initiative, helped inspire Trailnet’s inclusion of Tower Grove Avenue in the Connecting St. Louis plan, and celebrated this year’s groundbreaking of the Tower Grove Connector. A daily bike commuter and member of the Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians (CP2), Matt leads by example, using both data and determination to make streets safer for everyone. 

Cornerstone CDC and WeCollab - Outstanding Streets for All Partner

Cornerstone CDC and WeCollab embody a true community-led approach to safer streets. Through collaboration with Trailnet and extensive resident input, they’ve helped design and implement projects that prioritize safety and connection in the West End and Visitation Park. Together, they co-led a pop-up demonstration and several grant efforts to support lasting change - advancing a shared vision for neighborhoods that are safer, stronger, and more vibrant for all.

Read their full bios

A Vision Coming to Life: Tucker Boulevard 

On Sept. 30, Trailnet and various partners came together to celebrate the construction of the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track, which started recently. Trailnet first put forth our plans for this project in 2019! The improvements will include a two-way protected cycle track connecting north and south downtown, safer crosswalks thanks to shorter crossing distances and better visibility, and ADA-accessible curb ramps, among other improvements. 

Read about the Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track Celebration

Safe Routes to School Update

For the last year, Trailnet has been leading a federal grant called Safe Routes to School. A year later, we've begun working on school mobility plans to make it safer for kids to walk and bike to school. Read more below to learn about this exciting program.  

SRTS Update

Funder Highlight: Great River Engineering

A heartfelt thanks to Great River Engineering - they're the presenting sponsor for Beers with Engineers, which will take place in early 2026. We're grateful for their support! 

What We're Reading

Long-planned bike paths, curb improvements to make Tucker safer, mayor and transit advocates say - St. Louis Business Journal

Safety improvements coming for cyclists, pedestrians along Tucker Blvd - Spectrum News

A Classic Graph Reveals Nature's Most Efficient Traveler - Scientific American

States rethink a long-held practice of settling speed limits based on how fast drivers travel - AP News