Scott

Thanks. We ride out there a lot on many of the same roads. I may have to give your routes a try. They definitely take in all of the good spots.

This is the MoDOT response and my question to them on this topic:


Scott,
I apologize for the delay in responding to your request.  It makes sense to allow the mixture of vehicular and bicycle traffic in most cases, but an Interstate is not one of them.  The speeds are just too high and the chance for a fatality is too great.  Some States, such as Illinois, out right ban bicycles on Interstates with signage.  We do not do that, but bicycle traffic on Interstates is not something we want to encourage.

The combination of MoDOT not wishing to encourage bicycle traffic on Interstates and Illinois banning them with signage a connection on the JB Bridge is not something we want to consider.  If there are any non-Interstate areas you believe need improvement please let know and we may be able to help.

Thanks,

Ryan A. Pierce
Senior Traffic Studies Specialist
Missouri Department of Transportation
District 6 - Traffic Division - S. St. Louis/N. Jefferson County
Voice: (314) 565-6707 Fax: (636) 225-9979
ryan.pierce@modot.mo.gov


Is there a chance or has there ever been any thoughts on the possibility of opening the JB Bridge to bicycle traffic? There is the Koch Rd. ramp immediately after/before on the Missouri side and Levee Rd. crossing over the highway on the Illinois side that could easily be modified for a bike ramp similar to the one on the East side of the Missouri River at 370.
Is it  already legal to ride a bicycle over the bridge? I have seen sections of interstates that necessarily allowed bicycles, but it seemed they were usually accompanied by signs advising users that there would be "bicycles on Interstate (or allowed) next ___ miles". These signs, in addition to warning drivers to be alert, also, I would imagine, keep everyone from phoning the police to advise that there is a bicycle on the interstate.

I am looking for some advice about where to begin getting the advisory signs and/or getting I-DOT to put in the necessary ramps. I live in Missouri, but believe this would benefit both states as well as giving touring cyclist an alternate route through the Metro area.

Thanks for your attention
Scott Melies
South St. Louis County