Webster Groves task force cites speeding, lack of sidewalks in Safe Streets survey; plans deeper community outreach

A project staff member told the Webster Groves Safe Streets Task Force that a recent community survey showed strong local concern about roadway safety and will guide outreach and planning for a formal Safety Action Plan.

The presenter said the comprehensive-plan survey had “about 300 responses,” and that the Safe Streets survey “was very close to doubling that,” signaling higher participation for this topic. The presenter added that “69% of the people taking the survey walk daily in Webster Groves,” and that about 94% of respondents identified themselves as residents. The presenter described top concerns as speeding and aggressive or distracted driving, unsafe pedestrian crossings, a lack of sidewalks, challenging intersections and unsafe bike lanes.

The survey’s findings matter because staff said the current funding is for a planning grant to produce a Safety Action Plan; that plan would be used to apply for future implementation grant funds to install longer-term safety improvements. “The demonstration projects are temporary,” the project staff member said, describing short-term trials to gather data before any permanent changes are proposed.

Task force members discussed how to deepen community engagement to refine priorities and gather input from groups underrepresented in the survey. Suggestions included interactive open houses, targeted outreach in four city quadrants, tabling at community events, business convenings or “happy hour” listening sessions, direct email to city contact lists and additional paper surveys for older residents. A task force member suggested using existing business networks and the monthly newsletter to reach pedestrians in business districts.

Panelists and members emphasized coordination with other agencies and bodies. One participant noted that sections of Big Bend Boulevard are a county road and that improvements there will require coordination with St. Louis County. Staff also warned that the Safety Action Plan must align with commitments made by neighboring cities and with guidance from the Missouri Highway Patrol: “we can't contradict what other... what the Missouri Highway Patrol has said,” a project staff member said.

Participants identified specific locations repeatedly named by respondents as troublesome for pedestrians and drivers: Lockwood and Elm; Lockwood and Barrie; Lockwood and Gore; Gore and Rock Hill; Big Bend and Elm; and Elm near Interstate 44. Staff said the survey allowed open-field responses so residents could name the exact locations they see each day.

The task force discussed data collection methods. Staff said paper surveys were used to reach older residents and that those responses were entered manually; a participant asked whether the Traffic Advisory Commission (TAC) maintains a spreadsheet or database that captures complaints and requests such as yield-sign or parking requests. TAC representatives indicated the commission holds some outreach funds and has planned events and that better coordination between TAC and the Safe Streets Task Force is possible.

No formal votes or actions were taken at the meeting. Discussion produced three clear next steps stated by staff and members: continue community engagement tailored to neighborhoods and business districts, coordinate outreach and data collection with TAC and other local partners, and use survey results and demonstration projects to inform the Safety Action Plan that the planning grant is funding. Staff said the demonstration projects would be short-term evaluations that “will inform the safety action plan,” and that securing implementation funding would be a separate step.

The meeting closed with plans to share the Kirkwood Action Plan as a reference example and to return with more detailed outreach proposals. Staff stressed that the planning grant supports creation of the Safety Action Plan and that permanent installations would depend on later implementation funding and interjurisdictional agreement.