This document discusses plans by Great Rivers Greenway to create a 600-mile interconnected network of greenways, parks, and trails called the River Ring across the St. Louis region. It outlines goals for improving social capital, environmental stewardship, and economic development. It also summarizes Great Rivers Greenway's accomplishments in acquiring over 1,000 acres of land and building 85 miles of off-road trails. Finally, it presents the vision and goals for a new Regional Bicycle Master Plan to create a network of on-road bicycle facilities and better accommodate bicyclists throughout the St. Louis area.

1. Making the Saint Louis Region an Even Better Place to Live!

3. River Ring Goals

7. Plan defined 600 mile interconnectedopen space network of 45 greenways asthe River Ring

8. Actively working on numerous projectswithin 17 greenway corridors

12. River Ring SEED Goals Social Capital An interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails enhances social capital—health, education, dignity and interaction—and strengthens community bonds. S Environmental Stewardship An interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails is the physical armature that defines communities and preserves and enhances the natural environment. E Economic Development An interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails strengthens local economies and is a catalyst for economic growth in new and established communities. ED

14. River Ring SEED Goals S Social Capital Stable and Desirable Neighborhoodsconnectivity, safety, community pride, character, aesthetics, cleanliness Strong Civic Stewardshipcivic participation, leadership, good policies and standards, government transparency, cooperation Good Health physical and mental health, active lifestyles, behaviors, healthy and organic food Transportation Optionsalternative modes, increased bicycle use, access to transit, reduced travel times and congestion High Quality of Lifeeducation, cultural identity, happiness, legacy for future generations

15. River Ring SEED Goals A Clean, Healthy Environmentconservation, preservation, healthy habitats; clean soil, water, air Reduced Carbon Footprint and Impact on Environment less waste and consumption, low impact development, carbon reduction, energy conservation Strong Environmental Stewardship relationship and appreciation of environment, access to natural assets, policies and standards E Environmental Stewardship

16. River Ring SEED Goals A Strong Regional Economyeconomic development, tourism, business growth, job attraction and retention Creation and Preservation of Wealthproperty values, local reinvestment, greater savings, less cost for activities/recreation Efficient and Fiscally Strong Governmentlower cost for services, increased revenue, lower tax burden, reliable infrastructure ED Economic Development

17. Great Rivers Greenway Regional Bicycle Master Plan

20. connect to major employment, transit, cultural, institutional and recreational destinations

21. develop a 20 year plan to build out the system

23. Regional Bicycle Master Plan

24. Vision Statement The Bicycle Master Plan will create the bicycle component to the regional transportation network that accommodates all users and promotes consistent design and development of bicycle facilities.

25. Mission: Increase the number of people using bicycles for transportation. Prioritized Goals: Provide a prioritized system of routes that are contiguous and connected to other on and off road facilities. Enhance safe interaction between bicycles and motor vehicles. Increase the commitment of public officials to support and/or initiate public policy for bicycling in all levels of government; local, regional and state. Expand the public’s view that bicycles are a viable and acceptable mode of transportation. Consistent application of bicycle facilities guidelines and standards.

26. P A R T N E R S A N D C O N S U L T A N T S

27. Route Network Development and Prioritization Key plan criteria was used for both network development and for prioritization Employment Centers Town Centers/Downtowns/Business Districts Colleges and Universities Transit Stations and Transfer Centers Regional Parks Roads used regularly by bicyclists

34. Various Types of on-street facilities…for various street conditions

35. End-of-trip facilities are important!

36. Bicycle Share programs

38. In the world’s best bicycling cities…people of all ages ride for all kinds of trips. www.stlbikeplan.com Facebook: Saint Louis Bike Plan www.grgstl.org