ST. LOUIS — Safer streets continue to be top of mind for St. Louis leaders. Several bills are currently moving through the Board of Aldermen focused on just that.
It was only weeks ago that a jury found Daniel Riley guilty in a crash that caused Janae Edmondson to lose her legs. This incident is why many hope new bills can be the start of much-needed change.
It's an issue that many, including 9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning, are passionate about changing.
"For nine years, before I became an alderman, I was a bike commuter. I experienced our streets and experienced how dangerous they can feel. I've seen the tragedies that have hit so many families here in St. Louis. We're losing lives, we're getting people injured," he said.
Browning isn't the only one who feels this way.
Members of the board and concerned citizens spent their Monday discussing what can be done.
It's something 1st Ward Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer said she's been working on for a while.
"This is part of a process of the board and the city to address things, like the tragedies that have occurred. I think you have people on the board and in the administration who are taking this very seriously, and recognizing that we have a responsibility to act," she said.
That was shown in the Public Infrastructure and Utility Committee meeting where street safety was top of mind with bills focused on reckless driving, red-light cameras and an update to the city's complete streets policy.
Schweitzer is the sponsor for Board Bill 217, known as the 'Complete Streets Bill.'
"It strengthens the planning processes around our streets and makes sure that they're built with all road users in mind. It also establishes an oversight committee called the 'Complete Streets Advisory Committee,' which helps give input into what streets are chosen when, and how we make sure that our street work is done well in the city," she said.
The purpose of the proposed legislation, according to Schweitzer, is to improve the infrastructure of city streets by updating road engineering and enhancing extensive safety practices.
"We need to think more about pedestrians when we build our streets. That doesn't mean we don't need to enforce the laws (or) we don't need to educate people. What it does mean is that part of the solution is a built environment that is for pedestrians," she said.
Browning, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, said he believes this could help stop the tragedies on our roads.
"We talk about traffic violence, as if it's a separate thing from regular violence, but it's absolutely in the same bucket. Whether you're shot or you're hit by a vehicle, your life is still going to be forever changed, and we don't think that that should be the case out on our roads," he said.
City leaders aren't the only ones calling for change. The bill also lines up with the mission of one organization, Trailnet, according to policy catalyst Charles Bryson.
"[We] advocate for safe streets for all users, whether you're a pedestrian, whether you're a biker, whether you're in a vehicle, we want streets to be safe streets and sidewalks safe for everyone," he said.
Bryson said he commends the mayor's office and city leaders for their focus on safe streets and agrees with Board Bill 217.
"I think by and large, it is a much better bill than the ordinance that we have," he said.
Although Bryson said it's a step in the right direction, he believes some improvements would make the bill even better.
"One of the things it says is there's a streets division instead of a streets department, which I find kind of interesting. The other thing is when you talk about complete streets, you also have to talk about where people are parking and are they parking in a way that make the street dangerous or accessible for pedestrians, including people who have disabilities or using motorized vehicles or even wheelchairs," he said.
City leaders hope that this necessary change will move the city's policy from reactive to proactive.
"At the end of the day, that's what our city needs to do is grow and how can it grow if it's not safe for people to walk around," Browning said.
Board Bill 217 is still open right now for public comment. You can comment online, via email or by showing up to the next meeting.
The bill we be reintroduced at the beginning of the next session and will be heard in committee shortly after that.