Trailnet Dishes Out Another Round of MAP Awards

Trailnet is handing out hardware again.

This month, Trailnet announced the recipients of its second annual Members, Advocates, and Partners (MAP) Awards. These awards honor outstanding members of the St. Louis community who have demonstrated a commitment to Trailnet’s mission of Streets for All.

This year’s awardees are Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, Kelly McGowan, and Barbara and Bob Lindecke. The 2024 MAP awards will be presented at Trailnet’s 2024 Paving the Way Soiree on November 14.

The 2024 Outstanding Streets for All Advocate is Hon. Anne Schweitzer, City of St. Louis Alderwoman, Ward 1. For years, Hon. Anne Schweitzer has used her voice and influence to protect vulnerable road users in St. Louis.

During her time as Chairwoman of the Public Infrastructure and Utilities committee, Alderwoman Schweitzer has passed significant legislation to protect people who walk, bike and catch the bus in the City of St. Louis. She shepherded key legislation including BB120, BB105, Vision Zero and Complete Streets.

In addition to using her legislative power, Hon. Schweitzer has also used her voice and personal life as an example for others. In 2023, she wrote an op-ed in the Riverfront Times entitled “What I’ve Learned Being ‘Car-Light’ in St. Louis for 6 Months” and shared both the joys and difficulties of getting around the city with limited access to a personal vehicle. This year, she organized a bike bus to city hall for the passage of the Complete Streets Bill. She joined other bike buses and events organized by the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians to bring public attention to street safety issues and worked with the community and the city to create a monthly “car-free” week in Carondelet Park.

The 2024 Outstanding Streets for All Partner is Kelly McGowan of Transform314. Kelly McGowan, MPH, is a proud St. Louisan and health equity advocate.

Kelly is the founder and Executive Director of Transform 314, an organization whose mission is to educate, engage, and empower Black St. Louisans to drive policy changes at the local level needed to create thriving communities. Kelly is also the Policy & Membership Experience Manager for the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence.

Kelly and Transform314 launched a project that surveyed Black residents in St. Louis about the challenges they face in their communities. Traffic violence and street-related issues were top concerns. Kelly and Transform314 host monthly community meet-ups to facilitate dialogue between elected officials and residents so that they all understand their roles and responsibilities concerning improving their communities. Traffic violence is a common topic, and Kelly inspires people to act.

The 2024 Outstanding Trailnet Members are Barbara and Bob Lindecke. Barbara and Bob have been consistent Trailnet members since 1994, making this year their 30th anniversary as Trailnet members.

Barbara and Bob love to take walks on Grant’s Trail. When Bob retired, he became the Eagle Scout Project Coordinator for Grant’s Trail. He also worked with several AmeriCorp groups that helped improve the trail in the late 1990s.

Not only do they give generously as Peloton Society members, but they also love to come to Trailnet events to learn more about cyclist and pedestrian advocacy. They joined Trailnet for the walking tour of Louisiana Calm Street, where they insisted on helping set up the table when they arrived a little early. Barbara and Bob are steady, generous supporters of Trailnet’s work.

To attend Trailnet’s 2024 Paving the Way Soiree on November 14, go here.

Top image: Courtesy of Trailnet.