Liz Kramer

Member since August 21, 2023

Resident of Tower Grove East. Current co-chair of the Community Mobility Committee.

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Liz Kramer3 years ago As the City works with Metro to pursue a potential expansion of MetroLink, we see an opportunity for this investment to support this potential future expansion while also improving access to a current bus corridor for residents. Invest funding in improving pedestrian infrastructure in the blocks on either side of Jefferson Ave/Parnell St, beyond the improvements on the corridor that are currently underway. We envision this as creating a complete sidewalk network for several blocks (half a mile) on either side of these major streets, making it possible for people to easily walk to the existing bus line, as well as to the future MetroLink stations. This must include smooth transitions, complete sidewalk networks, lighting, added shade, trees, and stormwater infrastructure, improvements to bus shelter access, and improvements to shelters themselves. Particularly key could be the existing transfer points along the current routes of the #11 Chippewa and the #4 Natural Bridge, such as Parnell St. & St. Louis Avenue or Jefferson Ave & Arsenal St. A key opportunity is to prepare for the future transfer point that will connect the existing alignment to the new North/South alignment near Scott & Ewing. This new transfer point should be easily accessible by people walking and people biking from destinations surrounding it, so there is substantial opportunity to improve sidewalks and bike facilities in the neighborhood around it. These sidewalk improvements make it easier for riders to access the existing and planned transit, paving the way for greater demand in the long-run. Further analysis is needed to understand the needs at these sites. Submitted on behalf of the Community Mobility Committee (https://communitymobilitys.wixsite.com/stlcmc)

Liz Kramer3 years ago We have seen other cities successfully respond to dangerous conditions promptly and we must see changes that impact people’s lives on the ground as soon as possible. We propose dedicated funding that can be utilized across the city to respond quickly to dangerous conditions. We would like to see a pilot fund set up, with the intention of creating a process for installing, evaluating, and making permanent quick-build, high-impact traffic calming. We would expect this fund to be used in a different way than current funding allocations, focusing on installing aesthetically pleasing, effective infrastructure at the sites of recent serious collisions between pedestrians and cyclists within 2-3 months after identification. This funding must be managed by a team that is able to elicit and respond to community feedback, act iteratively, and evaluate the outcome of projects. We would like to see at least $50 million allocated over 10 years to support these pilot projects, including hiring staff for this program, evaluating the outcomes, and selecting projects to transition to more permanent installations. Recent efforts in Cincinnati have included hiring an internal team to actually complete the work on the ground, allowing for more timely responses.Submitted on behalf of the Community Mobility Committee (https://communitymobilitys.wixsite.com/stlcmc)More resources: https://altago.com/wp-content/uploads/Quick-Build-Guide-White-Paper-2020-1.pdfhttps://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityofcincinnati/news/dote-proposes-new-ped-safety-work-crew/

Liz Kramer3 years ago The State of Missouri recently passed new hands-free legislation, which went into effect in August. We hope to see the City of St. Louis move towards a system of automated enforcement. The City is also building new infrastructure for walking and biking. These are all opportunities to educate people who are moving around the City by automobile, bicycle, foot, or other modes about their responsibilities and expected behavior. However, there is currently no funding allocated for a public information campaign that is specific to the concerns of the City and culturally relevant to City residents. We want to see the City invest in a high-quality, relevant campaign, including evaluation of outcomes, to reach people across the city and address the critical public health crisis that reckless driving causes. To be effective, campaigns should be focused on a clear theme, such as the value of new pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, with many opportunities for the message to sink in. Other cities have invested millions of dollars into campaigns like the one we envision; we would like to see at least $1 million allocated over 3 years to fund a robust campaign to reach St. Louisans. Submitted on behalf of the Community Mobility Committee (https://communitymobilitys.wixsite.com/stlcmc)More resources: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/nyregion/nyc-speeding-traffic-deaths.htmlhttps://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/238779.pdf