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The merger of the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation and Trailnet came one step closer to reality Sunday when the STLBikeFed approved the merger during its annual general membership meeting.

STLBikeFed and Trailnet expect the merger to be finalized by Dec. 31, and Kit Jenkins, the president of the STLBikeFed board, said the merger could be done in as soon as two weeks.

Trailnet Executive Director Ann Mack said the merger will “increase our voice” in bicycle advocacy issues in the St. Louis area, in both Missouri and Illinois. Trailnet is a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy living in the region

STLBikeFed pursued the merger because it lacks the money to carry out its programs or the pay the salary of an executive director. Trailnet has agreed to assume the liabilities and assets of STLBikeFed.

So how does the merger affect St. Louis-area cyclists?

Midwest Bicycle Expo & Swap Meet: STLBikeFed already had started making arrangements for the 2011 show at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Ill., and Trailnet will take over the show. St. Louis-based BicycleWORKS will join Trailnet in running the expo.

Bicycle racks: Trailnet will take over the program STLBikeFed had created to install bicycle racks in St. Louis. In 2007, STLBikeFed had picked a design that mimics St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch.

Hit-and-run reward: Last year, STLBikeFed created a reward fund to encourage people to provide information about at hit-and-run accident in downtown St. Louis. The money wasn’t given out, and Trailnet will use the $1,500 collected for a similar program.

Membership: STLBikeFed members will become Trailnet members. Details about the membership transfer will be determined later.

Trailnet’s John Cameron is putting together an advisory committee of bicycle advocates from Illinois and Missouri to help Trailnet develop goals for the region.

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