St. Louis Unveils Compact Green Machine to Improve Bike Lane Safety

St. Louis Introduces Innovative Small-Scale Street Cleaner to Enhance Bike Lane Safety The city of St. Louis, home to over 100 miles of dedicated bike paths and protected lanes, has unveiled a new cleaning vehicle aimed at improving safety and cleanliness for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Named "Archie" in tribute to the Gateway Arch, the Green Machine 636, operated by the Street Department, features both sweeping and vacuuming functions. This dual capability allows it to efficiently remove trash, dirt, and debris from bike paths, ensuring safer riding conditions. Notably, this compact machine can effectively clean paths as narrow as five feet, a significant advantage over traditional street sweepers. During the launch event, Mayor Cara Spencer took the wheel for the first official cleaning on Scott Avenue's bike lane. "Today marks an important step forward for St. Louis, benefiting cyclists and environmental advocates by maintaining cleaner and safer streets," Mayor Spencer stated during the unveiling. "Archie" is expected to be deployed in key areas such as Union Boulevard's protected bike lanes, 7th Street cycle track, Tower Grove Connector, Gateway Mall, and pedestrian o...