Get ready to sound off on what the city of St. Louis can do better to step up transportation safety.
Whether you drive, walk, bike, or take public transportation, leaders say it's time to look ahead to make long-term improvements. A representative from city hall says this is about the vision, values, and goals for the city. That's why a year-long community blitz is starting now to go directly to where the people are to find out how to make conditions safer to get around town.
Some will tell you the recent tragic, high-profile fatal crashes in St. Louis have created an unfavorable narrative.
"I can’t walk from one side of the street to the other without fear of being hit,” said Charles Bryson with Trailnet.
It’s why he is watching closely to see what city leaders are doing to turn things around.
"You need to have pedestrians first. Then you need to think about bicyclists,” he suggested.
Right now, several major road improvement projects are underway from Kingshighway to Jefferson Avenue.
"Better sidewalks, safer roadway cross section, new trees, better accessibility to bus stops, shorter crossing distances for pedestrians, new pavement, better pavement markings,” said Scott Oglivie with the city’s Complete Streets initiative.
Now city officials are working to create a buzz around a citywide transportation and mobility plan.
“We are going to completely transform some of the streets in the city over the next few years,” he added.
They want your input to lead the way. The Board of Aldermen allocated $1.2 million towards studying what areas need immediate action.
"Take a look at the policies, the ordinances and how we put in speed humps, stop signs, roundabouts. Those investments are really determined by alderpersons on an ad hoc basis and there is a complaint driven system where residents can complain, but there really needs to be a strategic approach here,” said alderwoman Cara Spencer.
Those calling for safer conditions say the engagement around this is exciting and overdue.
"It should've been done a year ago,” Bryson said.
The city is calling on volunteers for a community advisory committee. Over the next 12 months, expect to see surveys online and by phone. City leaders will be at community events and neighborhood meetings to get the public’s input.
Updates will be provided here.