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Webster Groves commission backs exploring MoDOT's Safe Across outreach, plans walking audits and safety education
Summary
The Webster Groves Traffic Advisory Commission discussed adopting parts of MoDOT's Safe Across outreach under the SS4A implementation effort, scheduled volunteer walking audits, and proposed education events (May cycling month, October pedestrian month) as part of an implementation and grant strategy.
The Webster Groves Traffic Advisory Commission on Jan. 12 discussed pursuing outreach and small-scale implementation of MoDOT's "Safe Across" toolkit as part of the city's broader SS4A implementation planning, and members agreed to organize volunteer walking audits and a modest calendar of education events.
Chair opened the meeting by reading the commission's goals for 2026, saying the group will "use safety as our guiding principle and propose recommendations that are unbiased, transparent, and fair." The commission then considered whether to adopt elements of Springfield's Safe Across materials, an outreach package created with MoDOT funding that includes promotional items, a workbook and a cost spreadsheet that communities can adapt.
City staff and commissioners said the Safe Across package could make education programming more achievable and less resource-intensive than creating materials from scratch. One commissioner noted the Springfield materials estimate administration at roughly five hours per week and include templates for items such as keychains and classroom handouts. An agency official said some pieces could be implemented in a limited form while the city explores grant funding.
"It's a long-term strategic thing," the presenter said, arguing that the commission could "cheerlead" and use its education work to support a larger SS4A implementation effort. Staff said an application window for SS4A-related implementation funding is expected in March or April, and that having an adopted safety action plan will be required to apply.
The commission also announced walking audits for North and South Webster neighborhoods, saying about 10 residents had already volunteered in response to a city bulletin. Staff described the audits as observational: volunteers will note sidewalk condition, crossing locations, driver behavior and other on-the-ground safety concerns. Members asked that sign-up information be posted on the city's Safe Streets web/contact resources so volunteers can register.
On programming, the education subcommittee recommended a calendar that includes a May cycling-safety month, an open-topic month to be determined and an October pedestrian-safety month, supported in part by a guest-speaker series. Commissioners suggested partnering with local groups such as TrailNet, the Chamber and service clubs to staff booths and help publicize events while keeping per-event budgets modest.
Commission members asked staff to refine cost estimates at the commission's February meeting so the group can finalize a budget request (the commission was reminded the budget packet is due Feb. 28 and that obligations generally must be processed by June 30). Chair said he would circulate the MoDOT materials and route a request to the mayor about whether the city should submit a formal grant or partner application.
What happens next: the commission will add demonstration-site observations and Safe Across implementation to future agendas, refine event and budget numbers at the February meeting, and proceed with walking-audit scheduling and volunteer coordination via the city's Safe Streets contact channels.
