St. Louis County: We Don’t Build Bike Lanes Because No One Bikes
Great news from greater St. Louis: Communities from across the region put their heads together, and after 16 months of labor came up with a bike master plan that includes a 1,000-mile cycling network.
It seems, however, that not all the region's actors are sold on the idea of biking as transportation. Herbie Markwort, who writes for Network blogs Gateway Streets and NextSTL, noticed recently that there are no bike accommodations on any roads maintained by St. Louis County. And it isn't a simple oversight, he explains:
I only see road segments designated as "wide outside lane," "paved shoulder," or "needs further analysis;" nothing that would require paint on the road.
In a recent Road Crew chat on STLtoday.com, I asked the following question: Is St. Louis County against the inclusion of on-street bicycle facilities on its roads?
David Wrone, spokesman for the St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic, replied: "As a matter of policy, we don't build dedicated bike lanes. St. Louis County salutes the bike-riding community, but we manage our system in the knowledge that motor vehicles comprise the vast majority of our customer base. The ground and money aren't available to provide 'Bike Only' travel lanes."
Good one, Wrone. You "salute" cyclists, they just aren't worth any "ground" or "money" because all of that is reserved for the folks who really count: motorists. How forward thinking!
I wonder if it's ever occurred to anyone in St. Louis County that maybe car traffic vastly outnumbers bike traffic because they haven't made it safe to bike. Just a thought.
Elsewhere on the Network today: NRDC Switchboard shares research that shows small, neighborhood parks, or "pocket parks" as they're sometimes called, improve health outcomes in neighborhoods. The Virginia Bicycling Federation announces that 80 miles of sharrows are coming to Richmond. And Systemic Failure highlights Rick Perry's past enthusiasm for high-speed rail.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Are Friday’s Headlines the New Normal?
Transit ridership hasn't come all the way back from the pandemic, and they're going to need more federal help, along with other changes, says Governing magazine.
Friday Video: How to Make Places Safe For Non-Drivers After Dark
A top Paris pedestrian planner, a leading GIS professional, and Streetsblog's own Kea Wilson weigh in on the roots of America's nighttime road safety crisis, and the strategies that can help end it.
OPINION: Congestion Pricing Will Help My Family Get Around As We Navigate Cancer Treatment
My partner was recently diagnosed with cancer. Congestion pricing will make getting her to treatment faster and easier.
Talking Headways Podcast: Money is a Lot of Different Things
It's Part II of our discussion with Jim Kumon!
If Thursday’s Headlines Build It, They Will Come
Why can the U.S. quickly rebuild a bridge for cars, but not do the same for transit? It comes down to political will and a reliance on consultants.
