New Bike Trail to Connect Jefferson Barracks to St. Louis Arch

Fred Andres bikes between 70 and 100 miles a week, but said he's limited to traveling north from the St. Louis Arch. Wednesday, he came to a public meeting to learn about an off-road bike path that would connect the Arch to River Des Peres with the bike trails being built from River City Casino to . 

"I'm blown away," he said. "It's absolutely great, now I can go both ways—north and south."

Andres sometimes bikes around the existing path at River City Casino and is looking forward to the new trail that will attach to Jefferson Barracks.

The trail is expected to be finished this summer, said Carey Bundy, the project manager for Great Rivers Greenway.  

Great Rivers Greenway was created with the passage of Proposition C in 2000, which took 1/10 from every cent of sales tax. The trails are entirely funded through Prop C and federal funds. 

The organization hopes to create 43 greenways containing 600 miles of off-street trails. So far, they've built 17 greenways and 100 miles. 

Bundy said her goal is to eventually connect trails south to Cliff Cave Park. The entire project, Mississippi River Greenway, will run along historical grounds, creeks and rivers throughout the area. 

Architect Bill Burke said the off-road trails were much safer than traveling down Broadway, which is what most bikers do now. 

"This will be something everyone can use—moms with kids, the elderly, to be separate from cars," he said.