Omaha Bikes

Advocacy Alert! Transportation Bill

2012-01-31T09:51:00.000-06:00

From our friends at the League of American Bicyclists. Click here for more info on how to make your voice heard.

House Bill Reverses Decades of Progress on Bike/Ped It’s so much worse than we thought.

Today, the House releases its transportation bill, the American Energy and Infrastructure Act.

When we contacted you last week, we knew the bill would be bad news for biking and walking. But we didn’t think it would go so far as to completely cut every reference to bicycling and walking out of the federal transportation policy.

House leadership is pressing to eliminate bicycling and walking in the Transportation bill:

Destroys Transportation Enhancements by making the program optional
Repeals the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school
Allows states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles
Eliminates bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs
Eliminates language that insures that rumble strips “do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians or the disabled”

But we can still save biking and walking in this bill. This week in the Transportation Committee, Representative Petri (R-WI) will stand up for bicycling and walking by offering an amendment that restores dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Mr. Petri can only be successful if everyone with a stake in safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways contacts their Representative on the Transportation Committee again today to urge them to vote YES on the Petri amendment!

This is as urgent as it gets. Even if we do win this amendment, there will be a long road ahead. But if we lose here, we risk losing decades of progress.

We know we are asking a lot of you and we thank you for all you’re doing to preserve biking and walking.

Paging Leavenworth Commuters...

2012-01-26T12:09:00.002-06:00

If you find yourself searching for the proverbial white courtesy phone after reading the headline, then we have an opportunity for you! This opportunity comes in the form of an upcoming community meeting regarding proposed bicycle infrastrucure improvements along Leavenworth between I-480 and 24th Street.

When: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Where: Greek Orthodox church - 602 Park Avenue

The meeting is primarily for business owners along that corridor, but we'd like to make sure that the cyclist views are also represented. This is a great opportunity to educate business and homeowners about the benefits of bicycle infrastructure.

We'll continue to keep everyone posted about the project, so stay tuned!

2012-01-24T21:19:00.002-06:00

Please join The Pizza Shoppe Collective and Lucky Bucket Brewery in doing some fundraising for Community Bike Project Omaha! Saturday, February 25th from 6:30-8:30. A $45 ticket gets you a 3-course meal with beer pairings. CBPO will also be raffling off a tandem bicycle. To reserve your ticket, please email sara@communitybikeproject.org or visit our Facebook page and follow the link under our events tab. We hope to see you there!

Advocacy Alert! Keystone Connector (now South Omaha) Trail

2012-01-23T15:12:00.004-06:00

There is an item on the City Council agenda for the January 24 meeting:

Ord. declaring the necessity of acquiring, for use by the City of Omaha, the necessary private property for linear trail corridor purposes, specifically for the South Omaha Trail Phase 2 (formally known as the Keystone Trail East Connector Phase 2) from South 45th and Dayton Streets to the southern terminus of the Field Club Trail; providing that the City negotiate with the property owners for land acquisition, permanent easements and temporary construction easements; providing that as to each specified parcel which cannot be obtained by negotiation, condemnation proceedings be undertaken and completed;

Everything we've heard thus far indicates that the trail is on track for completion as early as end of 2012; we certainly don't want opposition causing any glitches at this stage in the game!

Also note that the official name of this trail is going to be the South Omaha Trail.

Please note: the meeting begins at 2pm in the Legislative Chambers at City Hall (1819 Farnam).

Agenda and Link to Agenda Items
Available at http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us

UNO bike fix-it station (open to the public)

2012-01-23T10:17:00.000-06:00

Our friends over at UNO have achieved another significant milestone in supporting multimodal transportation and physical fitness for its students, faculty, and staff. Late last month, UNO installed a new bicycle fix-it station next to the bike racks inside the HPER parking garage. The new fix-it station will allow users to make minor repairs and adjustments on their bikes. The fix-it station includes an ingenious method of holding a bike off the ground so it's easier to work on, provides a set of the most common bike tools, and an air pump. This bicycle fix-it station is the first public repair stand of its kind in Omaha.

Funding for the new bike fix-it station was provided by the Community Bike Project Omaha, a local non-profit that helps Omaha's colleges and universities improve their cycling options, through the CDC's Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant.

Bike to the Ballpark!

2012-01-22T19:21:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe, but it is time to start planning for the College World Series Bike to the Ballpark 2012!

Our first year was a rousing success by all accounts: 700+ bikes parked and $600+ in donations raised that we can use to upgrade our operation for this year! Anyone who spent time volunteering at the bike corral last summer knows that awareness was raised significantly, which we know will translate into more people arriving on bikes this year.

We need to get a committee going to coordinate our efforts. Items on the to-do list include: building new bike racks; contacting host hotels to discuss bike friendly measures that can be taken; upgrading the signage, valet cards and other material; and developing a media/communication plan.

If you would like to be involved, please contact Julie -- jharris (at) activateomaha (dot) org -- by Wednesday, January 25. We'll get a distro list going and figure out the most convenient time to schedule our first meeting.

BREAKING NEWS! 3 Ft Passing Law Introduced!

2012-01-17T17:19:00.000-06:00

Great news coming out of the state legislature today! Sen. Tom Hansen of North Platte introduced a bill that would require vehicles to give 3 feet of space when passing cyclists, pedestrians and operators of assisted electronic mobility devices.

The specific language pertaining to cyclists: "...shall exercise due care, which shall include, but not be limited to, leaving a safe distance of no less than three feet clearance, when applicable, when passing a bicycle..."

Check the full bill here: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB1030.pdf

Omaha Bikes will be monitoring this legislation closely and will provide updates as they become available. Please contact your state senator to show your support!

Dec 22 - BKB Holiday Bike Ride

2011-12-21T13:07:00.001-06:00

Cyclists, Get your bikes blinged up for our Holiday Ride across the Pedestrian Bridge. A group will be gathering around 6:15 at the Riverside Grille parking lot and ride over the Bob Kerrey Bridge to DJ's Dugout. Plan to stop on the bridge to admire the Omaha Skyline and the Dazzling Array of Lights. Be sure to dress warm and bring your holiday cheer.

7-10pm TONIGHT - CBPO awards and appreciation night!

2011-12-15T11:56:00.003-06:00

You are cordially invited to the Community Bike Project's annual Golden Spokes awards and Volunteer Appreciation night--TONIGHT! 7-10pm--at the Pizze Shoppe in Benson (6056 Maple!
We will have live music by The Prairie Gators, pizza, and door prizes! Come help us celebrate a successful year and toast to a new one!

CBPO looks forward to many more exciting events in 2012, including:

Beer Tasting
Bike-Inspired Art Show
Fundraising Concert

We will keep you updated.

Also, it's that time of year again! Please consider making a year-end donation to the Community Bike Project Omaha. This year, we gave out hundreds of bikes and helped hundreds of people get their bikes going again--people who otherwise wouldn't be able to without us. We depend largely on community support to do the work we do and we would be happy to provide a receipt for your tax purposes! Please visit our website: http://www.communitybikeproject.org, email info@communitybikeproject.org, or mail something along to us at 525 North 33rd Street, Omaha, NE 68131.

Happy Holidays and let's have a great 2012! Hope to see you tonight!

Matt Martin
CBPO Executive Director

GO OMAHA!

2011-12-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

Looks like Omaha is MOVING in the right direction.

Bike De'Lights Winter Bicycle Ride

2011-11-29T17:57:00.008-06:00

• Friday, December 9, 2011
• Meet at 6:00 PM and Ride at 7:00 PM
• Start/End at Blanc Burgers + Bottles
• 3157 Farnam Street at Midtown Crossing
• The Route: http://g.co/maps/fmgah

This is the 3rd Annual Bike De'Lights. It is a social ride at a casual/conversational pace enjoying holiday decorated homes and businesses. Participants are encouraged to layer in warm and casual street clothes. Bicycle helmets are REQUIRED.

Enjoy frequent stops along the route to warm up and relax. Children are welcome and encouraged to participate (parents/guardians must be present). The ride will take 2 or 3 hours, depending on how long we stay at each stop.

Bikes are required to have a headlight and (at the very least) a rear reflector. We’re encouraging riders to decorate their bikes with battery operated holiday lights. Check OmahaBikes.org for the route map, updates and reschedule date (in the event of bad weather).

UPDATE: As of 12:00pm Friday, December 9th, the ride is a GO! See you all tonight at Blanc Burgers + Bottles.

First lady inspires staff chef to commute by bike

2011-11-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

Michelle Obama has made it a goal to get the nation's kids fit, but her work also seems to be rubbing off on her staff. NBC's Kristen Welker reports.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45161973#45161973

Veteran’s Day Parade - Saturday Nov 5th

2011-11-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

Saturday November 5, 2011, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bellevue, NE, West Mission Avenue at St. Mary’s School

Make plans to ride with the Bellevue Bicycle Club in the Nebraska's Official Veteran's Parade.

Meet near St. Mary's School on West Mission Avenue in Bellevue. The line up spot for the Bellevue Bicycle Club is #37. Look for the number marked on the curb on West Mission Avenue.

There will be a portable restroom in the parking lot across the street from the check in point. (Near the stoplight at St. Mary’s School on Mission Avenue)

The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. with a flyover from Offutt Air Force Base.

We need as many riders as possible to show the community our interest in cycling and in improving bicycle trails.

Bike Safety Class - Sat, Nov. 19th

2011-11-03T17:13:00.003-05:00

CRANKSGIVING!!

2011-10-24T11:09:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again - mark your calendar for one of our favorite events: Cranksgiving!

Saturday, November 12 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Bike Masters (129th/Fort)
Event supporting the Omaha Food Bank.

Those of you who have participated in this event in the past know how much fun it is! From their website:

It's a race ... of sorts. Each rider gets a list of 10 items that must be purchased, each from a different store. (Where you get them is fine, you just can't get two from the same place.) First one back wins.

After the race, when everything is tallied and totaled, all of the food purchased goes to the local Food Bank.

There's no entry fee -- you'll just pay for what you buy (15-20 bucks). There will, however, be prizes.

You're going to go ride anyway, right? Just pick up some food along the way and help us help a lot of people who don't have the luxury of jumping on a bike 'just for fun.'

Hope to see you there!

Stolen Bikes Alert

2011-10-21T16:50:00.002-05:00

The Trek Store demo trailer was broken into last night and all our demo Trek Cronus Ultimates and Trek Ion Pro's road bikes were stolen. I'm not sure how many and which sizes as some were out on demo during the week. Keep your eyes peeled and spread the word.

Moving in the right direction

2011-10-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

We thought many of our readers would enjoy watching the video below. However, what is most interesting about this video is not found by watching it. What is most interesting about this video is how it came to our attention.

This video was sent to us by an employee of the City of Omaha Planning Department. He is one of the fine folks over at the Planning Department making the decisions that will shape the transportation landscape in the years to come.

So the next time you want to give the city planning folks a hard time about not painting bike lanes on your favorite road, just remember that some of them really do "Get It" and will be working to improve the Omaha transportation landscape in the years to come. You can help them out by getting involved.

Now enjoy the video and forward it to some non-cyclists while your at it.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientation at Community Bike Project!

2011-10-18T21:17:00.003-05:00

Community Bike Project Omaha would like to invite the Omaha biking community to a Volunteer Orientation meeting next Monday, October 24th at 6:00 pm. It should last about 45 minutes. We'll go over some general guidelines regarding the shop's procedures and policies as well as offer some tips on how to pitch in. We welcome as many new faces as possible, so tell all your friends! (Homemade cookies available to all who attend...while supplies last!) The shop is located at 525 North 33rd St.

If you can't make it, but are interested in volunteering with CBPO, don't worry. We will be holding orientations on a regular basis and the invitation is always open.

Winter Cycling Clinic

2011-10-18T18:05:00.000-05:00

We promised you some additional information on the upcoming Winter Cycling Clinic and here it is. The Clinic is coming up quick (this Sunday) so make sure you chisel out a block of time to join us.

Raise your hand if you'll be bike commuting this winter!

2011-10-14T10:05:00.001-05:00

Will you be biking to work this winter? If so, Activate Omaha needs YOU!

We're coming off the heels of our most successful Bike Omaha Commuter Challenge ever, and we want to carry the momentum into the winter.

The winter challenge (WBOCC) will be very informal, just giving people the opportunity to log their trips and miles for one big team. (See the Activate Omaha website for all of the details, and then register at www.cycle-tracker.com/activate_omaha .)

Here is the important part: Having the ability to show concrete numbers to the Powers That Be about the number of people riding is worth its weight in gold to us in our quest to make Omaha more bike friendly. We are getting a good handle on those riding during the warm weather months. We hope that you will help us by signing up and logging those winter trips and miles, even though it might seem silly to you.

Want to bike to work over the winter, but not sure about what kind of gear you need? Omaha Bikes will have you covered on that! We will be hosting a Winter Bike Commuting Clinic on October 23. More info coming to this space very soon!!

DEVOween!

2011-10-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

DEVO (kids mountain bike club) is putting together a super fun event on October 15: DEVOween!

When: Saturday, October 15 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Tranquility Park Mountain Bike Trail
What: Join Omaha DEVO for a fun night time ride for kids of all ages. Bring your lights for a lap or 2 around Tranquility and then to dinner (location TBD, you are responsible for your own food costs). Costumes encouraged and helmets required!!

For more info or to RSVP, check out the OmahaDEVO Facebook Page. Hope to see you there!

Cranksgiving is back!

2011-10-08T11:53:00.000-05:00

Our good friend, Perry Mitchell, is the event director this year.

Cranksgiving will be held Saturday, November 12 at Bike Masters.

The scavenger hunt style event on bikes collects donations for the Omaha Food Bank.

Here's how you can participate:

Ride in the event to collect food.

Bring a food donation to the event.

Make a cash contribution.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT! Perry needs volunteers for registration, rider check-in, food preparation and food serving, etc.

Tell everyone you know! This event is great fun and serves a worthwhile, community-building cause!!!

Contact Perry at perry.mitchell@cox.net

Lucky Bucket Ride - benefitting Omaha Bikes & T.H.O.R.!

2011-10-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

The inaugural Lucky Bucket Ride will be on Saturday, October 8 and will consist of 3 riding events to choose from that have something for everyone. In addition, you will not want to miss out on the Lucky Bucket After Party featuring the Nebraska Vs. Ohio State game, free food and of course, Lucky Bucket Brew. All events will start and end at the Bellevue Berry Farm and will benefit two outstanding trail organizations Omaha Bikes and T.H.O.R. (Trails Have Our Respect)

Lucky Bucket Brewery Ride 3:00-6:00pm
Swanson Mountain Bike Ride 4 -6pm
Haunted Kids Ride 6:00-6:30pm

Lucky Bucket After party featuring Nebraska vs. Ohio State Football game 7-11pm

Event Details

Lucky Bucket Brewery Ride $25 -A BENEFIT FOR OMAHA BIKES
Course: Paved bike path/gravel road
Distance: 20 miles
Highlights: Includes Brewery Tour, Free tasting, Free T-shirt, Husker Spirit Award (show us what you've got, heck even paint that old bike red)
Requirements: Helmet, mountain, cross, or hybrid bike suitable for gravel roads

Swanson Mountain Bike Ride $25 -A BENEFIT FOR T.H.O.R. (TRAILS HAVE OUR RESPECT)
Course: Bike path, gravel road, single-track
Distance: 10+ miles (depending on how many laps you do at Swanson)
Highlights: Midwestern Single-track, Free T-shirt (adult sizes only), Husker Spirit Contest
Requirements: Helmet, Mountain bike

Haunted Kids Ride: - FREE
Course: Ride around Bellevue Berry Farm's Haunted Hay-rack Ride route on bikes. (Low Scare Factor, High Fun for the young ones)
Distance: 1 mile
Highlights: Wooded dirt road with the an age appropriate spooky feel for the youngsters
Requirements: Helmet

Lucky Bucket After Party: $10
Highlights: 1 free LB craft beer, NU vs. OSU game, free food, and fire pit
Requirements: 21 & over for craft brew.

***You can purchase this when you register by checking the box at the bottom of the "RIDER INFORMATION" form

***Please note the Lucky Bucket After Party is Limited to 200 people

Additional Features (cost not included in entry fee)
· Hay-rack rides
· Pumpkin picking
· Haunted House

FUN! Register here: http://www.raceregister.net/RaceRegister/event?action=view&id=49

Another Great Discover Omaha Ride!!

2011-10-04T12:53:00.000-05:00

The "Discover Omaha" bike tours have been extremely well received, thanks to all of the hard work of Kristine Gerber from the I Ride campaign! So far they have covered South O and Benson, as well as the historic boulevards system. Not only are the rides scenic, they are choc full of awesome historical information.

Don't miss the last tour of the season, which will take us around the Florence and Minne Lusa areas - it will certainly be a gorgeous one with all of the fall colors!!

Sunday, October 9
1pm - 4pm
Start/End: Florence Mill, 9102 N. 30th Street

For all of the details, please visit http://www.iridebecause.org/

Omaha Bikes to Bronze

2011-09-30T13:34:00.004-05:00

Congratulations Omaha on being recognized and awarded by the League of American Bicyclists as a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community.

Presented today at the Heartland Active Transportation Summit by Congressman Jim Oberstar.

new entrance to big papio off blondo

2011-09-30T10:02:00.001-05:00

There are many "gaps" in Omaha's biking system - a short stretch with no biking infrastructure on a trail or between trails, lanes, etc. I'm happy to see that one simple gap is being remedied!

Connecting the Big Papio Trail to Blondo St. sidepath.

The Big Papio Trail exit to the sidewalk on the south side of Blondo is still available, but now bikers don't have to ride illegally on a sidewalk to a stoplight to cross Blondo, or ride across the grassy bank, to the sidepath.

Even though all the cement is in place between Blondo and Dodge Sts, the trail is still closed for landscaping. Want to thank Carlos and the city for filling in this connection between two well traveled bike routes. Look forward to using this when it opens!

Ground Broken - Concrete Pouring at Karen Park

2011-09-29T11:24:00.002-05:00

Progress on the plan to connect Field Club 'East-West' to the Keystone at Kaen Park. Hip Hip Hooray.

This photo is taken looking north from the east side of the Karen Park bridge. The route will loop around the ball field and connect to Buckingham Avenue and continue east toward 60th street, where it will cross over utilizing the defunct railroad bridge.

ADVOCACY ALERT!!!

2011-09-13T13:34:00.000-05:00

From our friends at the League of American Bicyclists:

The future of the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program - the primary source of funding for bicycling projects and programs for the past 20 years - remains hanging in the balance. A deal struck by the House and Senate late Friday to extend the current transportation programs for six months (a "clean" extension) looks likely to be voted upon this week. Approval of a clean extension preserves the TE program for six months - but does nothing to guarantee the continuation of dedicated funding for bicycling and walking in the next transportation bill.

Now is not the time to sit back. We still expect Senator Coburn (R-OK) to offer an amendment to strip the TE program from the extension and we simply can't afford to let him succeed. The League joins the America Bikes coalition and supporters in asking cyclists to contact their Senators TOMORROW, Tuesday September 13, to send a resounding message opposing Coburn's attack on bike funding.

TAKE ACTION: Simply click this link and it will take you to the LAB webpage that makes sending a letter to Senators Nelson and Johanns very easy.

Set The Pace bike ride is this Sat!

2011-09-08T16:53:00.002-05:00

The weather this weekend is supposed to be great. Come out to support a good cause. We have 20 and 30 mile bike rides, not to mention a chance to win a six month membership to Aspen Athletics. Starts at 9 am at Walnut Creek Recreation Area. Sign up will be available at the event.

Volunteers Needed!!

2011-09-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

We are working with the I Ride campaign to help the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts earn their cycling badges ... training the next generation of cyclists, if you will. We need volunteers!! Duties would include: directing kiddos on the bike obstacle course, helping with basic maintenance demos, leading short bike rides on the trail, and helping make bike blender smoothies! :) Even if you only have an hour or two to give, we'll take it!! Email Julie at jharris (at) activateomaha.org if you have questions or would like to help out!!

Boy Scout Bike Jam
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Durham Scout Center
12401 West Maple Road
1 – 3 p.m. Clinic
3 – 4 p.m. Bike ride

Girl Power Bike Festival
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Aksarben Village
Stinson Park at 67th & Center.
1:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

New Additions to the Bicycle Friendly Destination List!

2011-08-26T17:25:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank and welcome a bunch of new members of our Bicycle Friendly Destination Program!

Some of the most recent adds include:

The Bridge Chiropractic in Papillion
Film Streams in North Downtown
The Tea Smith off of 78th and Cass
The Star Deli at Saddlecreek and 50th

And more are in the works!

Thanks again everybody. We're excited to have you involved in our attempts to create a more Bicycle Friendly Omaha!!

-SJ

A Tale of Two Friends

2011-08-23T13:32:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were a 6th grader? You were finally old enough to start navigating the world more independently. In fact, you were probably a seasoned pro at navigating around your world by now: riding to school, riding to ball practice, riding to your friend's house. You were jumping curbs, exploring allies, creating shortcuts. (You're smiling just thinking about it, aren't you?!)

Last night, my 6th grader and her buddy hung out at our house after school to work on some math homework. Her mom dropped her off with her bike, knowing that my kids like to ride. They got their homework done and rode up to the elementary school to ride home with my 4th grader. When it was time to take her friend home, it only made sense to use bikes...after all, her house is only about 2 miles away by car, and I wasn't going to drive her and her bike home on such a nice evening.

In an ideal world, with a fully connected trail around Standing Bear Lake (OR- on street bike facilities along 144th, north of Fort) and grid streets rather than cul-de-sacs, our easy peasy 2ish miles route would have been:

In fact, this almost the same route that we rode...except that there is no shoulder at all along this section of 144th Street, and I'm not familiar enough with her friend's cycling ability to be comfortable riding on the street with her, so we took our chance riding the bumpy, weedy goat path worn along the east edge of the street. My daughter's friend ended up pushing her bike in this area, and had my daughter not just finished a summer of mountain bike riding, she likely would not have had the ability to ride this section, either. There was just enough traffic along 144th to add to this nerve-racking experience. We also had to detour about a half mile out of the way to get into her cul-de-sac, even though we could see her house plain as day from the intersection of 144th/Fort.

I guess I could have let the girls ride by themselves...I mean, there is a lake with a perfectly wonderful trail that goes (mostly) around it...

Um, I'm sorry...did you say 7 MILES?? Yep, the 2 mile route turns into 7 miles if you want to take the trail and the safe street crossing on Fort Street at the pedestrian signal. (And this also assumes that my comfort zone is OK with them crossing 144th Street without a signal ...less busy here, to be fair... to get to the Standing Bear Lake trailhead.) There has to be a better way, right?

Well, sort of. It is shorter (3ish miles), but the girls are left to fend for themselves trying to cross 40mph Fort Street with no signal. Not so much.

This is just one of many, many examples that we could point to that all of us have encountered. In the words of my former boss, Paula: "Well, what are you gonna do about it?"

Attend the Transportation Master Plan Update meeting on September 15.

Attend the Heartland Active Transportation Summit.

Advocate for Safe Routes to School.

Continue to ride my bike whenever and wherever I can and politley answer the bizzare questions people ask me about why and how I just did what I did.

And personally: I'm going to continue to annoy my friends with seemingly meaningless Facebook and Twitter posts every time I ride the bus to show them that people in West Omaha can and DO ride the bus. :)

What are YOU gonna do about it?

Levis Bike Shop Coming to Town!

2011-08-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Under the category of "This sounds really cool!" comes news that the Levis Bike Shop is coming to town on August 30. They are promoting their new line of commuter jeans at Urban Outfitter stores around the country.

You can catch them from on August 30 from 4-8pm at the Urban Outfitters store next to the Slowdown, (745 North 14th Street). Check their website for more info.

You might also get a kick out of some of the other products they are selling. I got a particular kick out of the "Bikestache." (cough*rafal*cough)

Bike Omaha Commuter Challenge: Inside the Numbers

2011-08-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

Well, we've reached the 14 week mark of Activate Omaha's 2011 Bike Omaha Commuter Challenge. This year's challenge has been expanded to May 1 - October 1, which is 22 weeks; however, we wanted to pause at the end of week 14 and take a snapshot of the stats so that we could compare "apples to apples" to the stats of the previous 5 years. What we found is very interesting - and we're curious on your take, too!

Bear in mind as you ponder this that 2008 was the summer of $4.00/gallon of gas.

Data for your consideration:

NUMBER OF TEAMS:      NUMBER OF MILES:

2006 = 27                              2006 = 77,300
2007 = 32                              2007 = 109,000
2008 = 55                              2008 = 134,593
2009 = 60                             2009 = 129,104
2010 = 62                              2010 = 157,852
2011* = 109                          2011* = 157, 682

OK, so we had 47 (!!!) new teams in 2011, yet our mileage was still 170 miles short of 2010, when we had 62 teams? Kind of a bummer .... until you look at this:

NUMBER OF RIDERS:       NUMBER OF TRIPS:
2010: 1000                              2010 = 10,500
2011*: 1352                             2011*= 12,054

These numbers have me very excited. We have 359 more riders and 1554 (!!!) more trips in 2011. This tells me that the new riders we added to the rolls are not riding as far as those who have participated in year's past ... which leads me to wonder:

Has the idea of bicycle commuting in Omaha started reaching past the "choir" and into the masses?

If I'm new to bike commuting (or cycling in general), I'm not as likely to start out going door to door, I'm probably going to start with a park/ride or bus/ride. Another theory: I live close to my office, but I've never considered riding to work before.

Either way, this is cause for a happy dance. More people making more short trips by bike is EXACTLY what we are going for. (...despite my recent challenge to BOCC team captains to see if we could break the 2010 mileage record. What can I say, I'm competitive. J).
What is YOUR theory?

In the mean time, carry on, bike commuters! The challenge has been expanded from 14 weeks to 22 weeks based on feedback from many of you who want to take advantage of the best weather of the year. We'll celebrate with the BOCC Wrap Up Shindig on Friday, September 30 - so save the date! More info will be coming soon.

State Fair Gets Bike Friendly!

2011-08-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Check out this column that was recently published in the Grand Island Independent about a man who is organizing bike valet parking at the Nebraska State Fair! Thanks to my favorite Auntie in Grand Island for sending this to me. (And yes, Auntie Lois, I will visit soon. Loveyoumeanit.)

http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2011/07/14/opinions/columnists/george_ayoub/13634021.txt

The organizer, Buzz Douthit, is quoted, saying: "We're in unknown territory. I could have 50 bikes. I could have 500. Everybody I talk to thinks it's a good idea."

Sound familiar?? I think a variation of those exact words came out of our mouths every time we were asked about Bike to the Ballpark.

Our family visits Auntie Lois and Uncle Bob in G.I. quite frequently, and our vehicle is usually loaded down with bikes when we go. We actually rode as a family to the State Fair last summer, via the side streets and the paved bike path ... and then had to lock them up to the fence just outside the entry. We're looking forward to better treatment this year! If you or folks you know are headed to the State Fair, encourage them to ride as well - let's support Buzz and his bike friendly efforts!!

Discover Omaha Bike Tour

2011-07-25T11:53:00.001-05:00

Join your friends at I Ride on Wednesday for this fun event! This fully supported walk/bike ride will give you the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of South O.

Wednesday, July 27, 6:00 - 8:30pm. Meet at 25th & N Street.

If you would like to be a "bike ambassador" for this (help lead/"shepard" the group), please contact Kristine at info@iridedouglascounty.org It will be a short ride (3-4 miles) with frequent stops to learn about the history of the area. Great family outing!!

Keystone Connector Update

2011-07-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Approximately 40 people were in attendance at the Kroc Center for last night's public meeting on the status of the Keystone connector trail. City officials on hand included Parks & Rec Director Melinda Pearson, Parks Planner Dennis Beyers and City Council member Gary Gernandt. State Senator Heath Mello and officials from the NRD were also on hand, as were consultants from the Big Muddy Workshop. Several cyclists were spotted in the audience, however the majority of the crowd seemed to be from the neighborhood around D Street where the trail will be located.

Phase 1 of the trail, Karen Park to 45th/Dayton was put out to bid, and a bid (below budget!) has been accepted by the city. Work will begin on this portion soon.

The consultant spent a great deal of time discussing all of the options that were explored in determining the exact plan for Phase 2 of the trail.

The trail from 45th & Dayton will proceed under 42nd Street via land that will be purchased from Union Pacific. It will continue east from there along a section that will be built along the hillside, several feet above the railroad tracks, eventually winding around and crossing onto D Street at about 39th or so. The trail (more of a sidepath in this area) will continue along the south side of D Street until 36th Street, where it will utilize the existing 36th Street bridge (west side), cross at grade to the east side, and then proceed back down just south of the interstate until it winds under I-80 (near the silos) and eventually connects to the Field Club Trail.

In order to stay within the city's right of way and avoid taking property away from homeowners adjacent to D Street, the city will narrow the street from 35 feet to 30 feet, and then narrow the sidepath from 10 feet to 8 feet in this section. All of these changes are within appropriate guidelines.

And now for the FAQ section:
Q: Why can't the trail continue to 36th along the UP tracks, north of the businesses that are on the north side of D Street?
A: Union Pacific is unwilling to sell the land needed to site the trail there. The owners of the businesses on the north side of D are unwilling to sell land, as they would like to retain the option to have rail access to their property. Also, there is a very large cell tower behind the businesses that literally blocks where the trail could be sited, even if land was available.

Q: Why can't the trail continue along the north side of D Street (business side) instead of the south side of D Street (homeowner side)?
A: Several large utility poles (distribution lines, complicated) and telephone connection boxes would have to be relocated if the trail was sited on the north side. Even if this was done (very expensive and disruptive), there is not enough right of way to make the plan work on the north side, even with narrowing the street and the sidepath.

Q: What is going to happen to all of those mature trees on the south side of D Street if the trail is located there?
A: Nothing. There is plenty of room for the trail without disturbing the trees. There are a couple of utility poles on the south side to be relocated, but they are only guide wire support poles that will take only a couple of hours to be moved.

Q: Will the trail/sidepath be crossing at grade along the intersections on the D Street portion?
A: Yes, there will be 3 or 4 at-grade street crossings along this section. All of the north bound streets have stop signs where they intersect D. This will be similar to other sidepaths in the city that cross streets at grade.

Q: Are the homeowners along D Street still upset about this?
A: Yes and no. The homeowners stated several times that they are not against the trail, not against cyclists or pedestrians. The concern was the potential for having property taken away from them, the concern about the proximity of the trail to the windows in their homes. Mostly the concern was about their perceived lack of notice/information about this project. As with so many of the meetings we attend, the concern is about the process, not about the project, per sey.

Q: So, is this really going to happen? If so, when?
A: Yes. The funding is in place, and work can now begin to get the formal plans completed so that the project can be put out to bid. Construction could* begin in spring/summer 2012.
(* and we all know how these things go....hopefully all goes according to plan!)

Bottom line: the desperately needed east-west connection is coming, albeit slowly. We will continue to monitor the progress and certainly throw a giant East/West Celebration Party when it is finally done!!!

TONIGHT: Bike to the Keystone Connector Trail Meeting!

2011-07-21T13:51:00.003-05:00

Don't Forget! Tonight's the important Keystone Connector Trail Phase 2 meeting at 6:30pm at the Kroc Center in South O (2825 Y Street). Finding east-west connections between the existing Omaha bike/ped trails has long been a top priority for both planners and users of the trails, and here's our chance to speak up about the first such effort, currently underway. Phase 1, which makes the first half of the connection has already started, and Phase 2 is currently under consideration. Your voice is important!

For anyone who would like to see the proposed Phase 2 path in person today, Julie Harris and I will be leading a bike ride from the No Frills Supermarket parking lot at 50th & G to the Kroc Center. It would be great to have a group of cyclists all arriving at the Kroc Center together. We will be pointing out the intended route as it winds through commercial and residential areas. It should be a pretty easy ride - about 3 1/2 miles each way. We will ride together back to No Frills afterward.

Meet in the No Frills parking lot at 5:15pm tonight - we roll out at 5:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Best,
Matt Martin

Livin' Large at the Community Bike Shop

2011-07-20T10:25:00.005-05:00

It's like a dream come true...Cheap rent in a 1-bedroom apartment, 5 minutes from both Midtown Crossing and the Slowdown complex, near a bike path, and 24/7 access to bike tools, work stands, bike parts, and endless project bikes!

Here's the skinny: The Community Bike Project is looking for a renter for the upstairs apartment at its Community Bike Shop at 525 North 33rd Street, just south of California Street and 2 doors down from Cali Taco. We would prefer to find an individual who wants to be involved with CBPO as a volunteer, but if you just want an apartment, that's fine, too.

You get bonus points for helping us out: volunteer your time at the Shop and your rent could be as low as $200/month (gas, water, electric, internet included)! If you just want the apartment, rent is still only $500/month (gas, water, electric, internet still included). Secure, private parking lot behind the building, for those with a car.

Other nearby amenities:
- beautiful Gifford Park
- one of the best neighborhood gardens in the city just a few blocks away
- a great permaculture garden directly behind the Shop
- within walking distance from Creighton University
- the Marrakech restaurant - a tasty new Moroccan place across the street
- the Shelterbelt theater - indie theater just around the corner
- the California Bar - neighborhood staple for decades
- laundromat a block away
- Robinson's Garage (car repair) next door
- and lots more

Interested? Call or email me--we are looking to rent the apartment immediately.

Thanks!
Matt Martin
matt@communitybikeproject.org
402-305-1111

Keystone Connector Meeting: Need to Organize!!

2011-07-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

Folks, we need to get organized! We've received word that there is some strong resistance towards the proposed Keystone Connector Trail route, specifically the portion that would run along D Street. We need to get as many proponents as we can to the public meeting on Thursday to make sure that our side of the issue is represented!

You can find all of the details of the meeting on the previous blog post, but the main info is: Thursday, July 21, 6:30-7:30, Kroc Center in South O. Yes, this may require you to delay your trip to Mineola for tacos, but this is important!!

If you are available and interested in attending, please respond in the comments section and we'll organize from there.

Keystone Connector Update Meeting

2011-07-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

The trail connector linking the Keystone Trail to the Field Club Trail is a high priority for east-west bike commuters. See below about a public meeting that will update us on the progress!

A public meeting and presentation on the proposed alignment of the New Keystone Trail East Connector Trail –Phase 2 will be held at:

Location: Kroc Center – Salvation Army, 2825 “Y” Street, Omaha, NE 68107

Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011

Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The purpose of the meeting and presentation is to discuss the proposed alignment with adjacent landowners, neighborhood residents and interested citizens; to answer questions and receive comments from the public.

The proposed alignment of this section of the trail begins at South 45th and Dayton Streets and will extend east to the southern terminus of the Field Club Trail at South 35th and Vinton Streets. The trail will extend east along the former Chicago Northwestern Railroad right-of-way, underneath South 42nd Street, cross over to “D” Street just east of South 42nd Street, continue east to South 36th Street, use the existing South 36th Street bridge to cross the existing railroad tracks before going underneath Interstate 80 near the old grain elevators to meet up with the Field Club Trail.

City of Omaha Bicycle/Pedestrian Count Postponed Until Next Week

2011-07-12T14:42:00.003-05:00

The City of Omaha's Bicycle/Pedestrian Count has been postponed due to concerns about potential rain and thunderstorms today and Thursday. The new count times are as follows:

Tuesday, July19: 4-6 PM Thursday, July 21: 7-9 AM Thursday, July 21: 4-6 PM

Accurate information on where people are riding bicycles is essential to effectively place new bicycle facilities (like bike lanes, sharrows, and signage) throughout the city.

We are still accepting volunteers and would love to have you join the project. Volunteers will need to complete a short training session before counting.

To volunteer, please contact David Nelson at dmnelson@rutgers.edu or Stephen Osberg at stephenosberg@gmail.com .

Important Transportation Bill Update! Act Today!!

2011-07-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

Omaha Bikes Friends - here is an update from our friends at the Safe Routes to School National Partnership on the Transportation Bill that is currently being forumlated in Congress. You can also read Andy Clark's(President, League of American Bicyclists) response here: http://www.bikeleague.org/news/070711_transportation_bill_briefing.php

IMPORTANT – Key lawmakers acting to end dedicated funding for bicycling and walking!

Key Congressional leaders are attacking Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements and Recreational trails and are taking steps to cut off dedicated federal funding for bicycling and walking. We need every single person who simply wants safe options to walk or bicycle to contact their Senators and Representative today!

House Transportation Chairman John Mica (R-FL) announced today that his transportation bill will eliminate dedicated funding for bicycling and walking, including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program, and discourage states from choosing to spend their dollars on these activities that are “not in the federal interest.” Chairman Mica’s statement that these programs remain “eligible” for funding is worthless; without dedicated funding for these three programs, they are effectively eliminated.

Things on the Senate side are not much better. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), the lead Republican negotiator on the transportation bill, declared that one of his TOP THREE priorities for the transportation bill is to eliminate ‘frivolous spending for bike trails.’ This is in direct conflict with Senator Barbara Boxer’s (D-CA) commitment to maintain dedicated funding for biking and walking. However, the Senate is working towards a bi-partisan solution, and Senator Inhofe’s comments mean funding for bicycle and pedestrian programs is at risk of total elimination.

Help protect Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Contact your Members of Congress , and tell them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, and Congressman Mica to urge them to continue dedicated funding for these important bicycling and walking programs.

Need some good facts to bolster your argument? Read on:

Not in the federal interest? Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US – even as funding for biking and walking projects only accounts for 1.5% of the federal transportation budget. That is more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year, including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.

Frivolous? Two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths are on federally funded highways. One-third of children’s traffic deaths happen when children are walking or bicycling and are struck by cars. Bicycling and walking programs build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways—improving accessibility and saving lives.

The Facts
Biking and walking are important forms of transportation, and funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars. Portland, OR built 300 miles of bike lanes and trails for the cost of one mile of highway.

These projects create jobs and build local economies. Building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure creates 46% more jobs than building road-only projects per million dollars spent. Cities that invest in bicycle and pedestrian projects turn downtowns into destinations, and capitalize on increased business activity.

Eliminating the 1.5% of transportation funding spent on bike/ped would have no meaningful impact on the federal budget, but instead, decreases transportation options for American families in a time of rising gas prices and an uncertain economy.

Why Act Now? Both the House and Senate long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let’s make sure that funding for biking and walking programs don’t disappear for many years.

We need every Senator to tell Senators Boxer and Inhofe that bicycling and walking are vital parts of our transportation system, and that there must be dedicated funding for sidewalks, bike lanes and trails to ensure that bicyclists and pedestrians are safe. And we need every Representative in the House to tell Chairman Mica the same.

Please contact your Senators and Representatives TODAY to tell them that bicycling and walking are a critical part of a safe and equitable transportation system. Ask them to tell Representative Mica and Senators Boxer and Inhofe that a federal transportation bill must continue dedicated funding for bicycling and walking.

OWL Ride Looking For Volunteers!

2011-06-29T16:08:00.000-05:00

2011 OwL (Omaha with Lights) Ride Seeking Experience Cyclists to Serve as Ride Right Rangers

The 2011 OwL Ride will soon be here. The first annual ride in 2010 brought out nearly 1,000 riders and registrations this year are ahead of last year’s pace.

The 2011 OwL Ride is scheduled for Saturday, July 16, beginning at 11:00 p.m. For more details about the ride, go to the OwL Ride website at http://owlride.org/event-info/.

Experienced cyclists from area bike clubs and bike groups are being asked to volunteer to serve as Ride Right Rangers (RRRs). For anyone who volunteers to be a RRR, the registration fee of $25 per rider will be waived.

For riders who plan to be RRRs, they do not need to register on the OwL Ride website. A separate sign-up process will used for the RRR’s (more information to be provided later).

As was done last year, all RRRs will be provided an orange reflective vest to identify them as RRRs. RRR volunteers will set examples of safe and responsible riding through their presence on the ride. More information will be provided to all RRR volunteers regarding RRR duties prior to the event.

All RRR volunteers need to available to meet at 10:15 pm 45 minutes prior to the start of the ride. The ride will generally follow the same route as last year, but because of the flooding, the exact starting location is yet to be determined. The “Playing with Fire” concert will be moved to Stinson Park due to the flooding. Because there will not be a downtown event prior to the ride, no bicycle corral is being planned for this year’s ride.

Interested? Email Mark Siepker at (tram_man@cox.net)

City of Omaha Bicycle/Pedestrian Count!

2011-06-29T11:19:00.004-05:00

Omaha's first official bicycle/pedestrian count is quickly approaching, and we need some more volunteers. Having good information on where people are riding bikes in our city is essential in figuring out the best places to install more bike facilities such as bike lanes, sharrows (like on Burt by Creighton), or those "bikes may use full lane" signs. If you want to see more of these types of facilities, please consider helping out. The counts will occur at the following times:

Count Times

· Saturday, July 9^th from 12 PM to 2 PM

· Tuesday, July 12^th from 4 PM to 6 PM

· Thursday, July 14^th from 7 AM to 9 AM

· Thursday, July 14^th from 4 PM to 6 PM

Volunteers can work just one, two, three, or all four shifts depending on availability and will need to attend a short training session at one of the following times:

Training Sessions (at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center 1819 Farnam Street)

· Wednesday, July 6^th from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM

· Friday, July 8^th from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM

We will need to count at quite a few locations to get worthwhile information, so we will need a large number of volunteers. If for any reason you cannot attend one of the training sessions but would still like to help, we will gladly make special arrangements for you. To volunteer, contact David Nelson at dmnelson@rutgers.edu or 402.699.6170, or Stephen Osberg at stephenosberg@gmail.com or 308.440.8378.

Bike to the Ballpark, Sunday

2011-06-20T11:26:00.001-05:00

Well, we've got 2 days of bike valet parking under our belts and we're feeling pretty good about it! We parked 111 bikes on Sunday and 65 on Saturday!! Really, a big thanks goes out to all of the cyclists who rode here and used our services, and an even a bigger thanks to all of our fantastic VOLUNTEERS!! Thank you thank you thank you. Clearly, without all of you this simply wouldn't work.

I pedaled down yesterday around 4:00p.m. to supervise the 2nd game of the day. First of all, I'd like to thank all of the drivers out there, from Omaha and elsewhere, because I had a totally pleasant, incident-free ride down. I arrived to the bike corral and was totally blown away by what I saw: a nearly full bike parking area! Anyway, it's going great and I just wanted to share a little update with those of you who didn't get to make it down yet.

As a reminder, we're there every game day, from an hour before the first game, til a 1/2 hour after the last out of the night. Julie's out there now and I'll be down there again this evening. See you at the park!

B-cycle: Grab it, ride it, return it - LivewellNebraska.com

2011-06-17T10:52:00.001-05:00

B-cycle: Grab it, ride it, return it - LivewellNebraska.com

Time to Bike to the Ballpark!!!!

2011-06-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

You want to attend the College World Series. Great. How you gonna get there? Drive?

Are you NUTS????

Let us solve all of your troubles. Bike to the Ballpark!!! Omaha Bikes will be operating valet bicycle parking during every game of the CWS. The bike corral will be located on Mike Fahey Street between 13th & 14th. Yes, you read that right, and YES, it is ONE BLOCK FROM THE STADIUM!!! Hours of operation will be 1 hour before the first pitch until 30 minutes after the last out.

Roll on up. We'll check your bike and give you a claim ticket. You enjoy the game while we watch your ride. You come back within 30 minutes of the last out, give us your claim ticket, and we give you back your bike. Easy peasy, lemon squeazy.

You don't even have to ride the whole way - find a parking space farther out and then ride in from there. If you want to hang around after the game, be sure to bring your lock, and we'll direct you to any of the growing number of permanent bike racks in the downtown and north downtown area. And don't forget to bring your light if you come for the evening game!

Now is the chance to create a whole new set of CWS traditions - make riding your bike one of those! Spread the word!!!

Volunteers Needed for the Inaugural Omaha Bicycle/Pedestrian Count

2011-06-14T15:50:00.003-05:00

The City of Omaha is conducting its first ever bicycle/ pedestrian count to gauge the level of bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the city, and we need your help. This type of information is critical in directing future investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. We need volunteers to stand or sit at predetermined locations for 2-hour shifts and count people on bikes and pedestrians. The study area will include a wide swath of land between 72^nd Street and the Missouri River. The counts will occur at the following times:

Count Times

· Saturday, July 9^th from 12 PM to 2 PM

· Tuesday, July 12^th from 4 PM to 6 PM

· Thursday, July 14^th from 7 AM to 9 AM

· Thursday, July 14^th from 4 PM to 6 PM

Volunteers can work one, two, three, or all four shifts depending on availability and will need to attend a short training session at one of the following times:

Training Sessions (at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center 1819 Farnam Street)

· Wednesday, July 6^th from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM

· Friday, July 8^th from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM

Riverside trails status

2011-06-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

One of our local cyclists (Scott Redd) took some time this weekend to document the flooding along the Missouri River. Head on over to his blog to see all the pictures and details. Thanks Scott.

Adams Park Master Plan Meeting

2011-06-10T14:30:00.001-05:00

For those of you with interest: there is going to be a Public Meeting for the Adams Parks Master Plan:

Tuesday June 14th
From 6:30 to 8:30pm
Adams Park Community Center
3230 John Creighton Blvd

You may recall that Adams Park is where THOR, IMBA and Activate Omaha partnered with the City of Omaha and others in 2010 to create a short, beginner-friendly single track trail. When IMBA was here, we were also able to sketch out our "dream scenario" for the park , which included an expansion of the loop, in addtion to a pump track, a more intermediate level trail and more. We were not given the go-ahead to move forward with any of these due to the impending master plan process.

The Adams Park trail has been very well received, and Activate Omaha is leading daily rides there this summer with groups from Girls Inc., the YMCA, Salem Baptist Church and Campfire. We'd love to expand the biking options for kids in north Omaha in Adams Park...if you feel strongly about this, too, please come out to the meeting!

More New Bicycle Friendly Destination Additions

2011-05-31T23:51:00.000-05:00

More of these fine establishments are popping up all over the place!

My two new fav's are New York Chicken & Gyro (16th and Farnam) which gives you a free drink with a sandwich purchase if you ride there...

and Q Consumables in Little Italy off of 6th and Poppleton(ish) which isn't currently doing a discount but is eager to support cycling in Omaha.

Stop by and say hello! Tell them Omaha Bikes sent ya.

Bike to the Ballpark Updates!

2011-05-31T23:12:00.000-05:00

It's June! Which means the College World Series is about to land on Omaha. Check out the updates on the Bike to the Ballpark tab up above to see what's happening and how you can get involved! The gist of it goes a little something like this: ride your bicycle to the CWS (starting June 18th) and be rewarded by no parking fees, the closest parking available (on Mike Fahey St. between 13th and 14th), and the warm fuzzy feeling that you didn't drive a car to the big event. Ride bikes; play ball!

We need volunteers though, so sign up soon by emailing us at omahabikesparking@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance!!

-SJ

Cycling for a Cause - Ride of Silence

2011-05-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

The cycling community received some positive press, thanks to livewell Nebraska. See the article and the featured video about the Ride of Silence that took place on Wednesday, May 18th.

We are the voice of citizen cyclists, working for improved bicycling infrastructure, opportunities and experiences for bicyclists in the Omaha metro area.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110518/LIVEWELL02/110519615#cycling-for-a-cause

Upcoming Events - May is National Bike Month

2011-05-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

Feature Events

May 13 8:30 AM - Mayor's Ride - Bob Kerrey Bridge
May 13 5:30 PM - Family Friendly Bike Ride - Community Bike Shop
May 13 6:00 PM - BBQ Beer & Bikes Bonanza - Crane Coffee

May 14 8:00 AM - Landmark's Race 2 Re-Cycle - Miller's Landing
May 14 8:00 AM - OPBC American Pie Ride - Fairgrounds, Missouri Valley

May 15 11:00 AM - CycleFest - Chalco Hills
May 15 1:00 PM – Ladies & Gentlemen’s Cycling Club - Turner Park

May 17 5:00 PM - Omaha Bikes Handlebar Happy Hour - Liv Lounge

May 18 National Bike to School Day
May 18 7:00 PM - BBC Ride of Silence (Police Escort) - Culver's Trail Head

May 21 7:00 AM - 8th Annual Wear Yellow Ride - Chalco Hills
May 21 8:00 AM - 7th Annual Spoke & Hub Ride - Washington Park, Bellevue

May 22 8:00 AM - Nebraska Tour de Cure - Sarpy County Fairgrounds

May 28 8:00 AM - Ride to Recovery - YMCA, Blair

May 31 6:00 PM - Ladies Bike Maintenance Clinic - Bike Masters

Weekly Rides

Monday 6:00 PM - Ladies Only Road Ride (every monday) - Trek Midtown
Monday 7:15 PM - Casual Urban Ride (every monday) - Greenstreet Cycles

Tuesday 6:00 PM - Cycling Club Women's Ride (every tuesday) - Bike Rack
Tuesday 6:00 PM - Group Ride (every tuesday) - Trek Papillion

Wednesday 6:00 PM - Wednesday Night Worlds (every wed) - Trek Midtown

Thursday 6:00 PM - Cycling Club Road Ride (every thursday) - Bike Rack
Thursday 6:00 PM - Taco Ride (every thursday) - Wabash Trace
Thursday 6:00 PM - TNR Mtn Bike Ride (every thursday) - mtbomaha blog

Saturday 8:00 AM - OPBC Easy Ride - Culver's Trail Head
Saturday 9:00 AM – Bancroft-Bayliss Loop Ride - Bancroft Street Market
Saturday 10:00 AM - Ladies Ride - Greenstreet Cycles

Sunday 8:00 AM – Cycling Club No Drop Ride - Tahazouka Park, Elkhorn
Sunday 11:00 AM - Fast Paced Ride - Greenstreet Cycles

More Bicycle Friendly Destination Additions

2011-05-09T19:16:00.000-05:00

May certainly is Bike Month, and Omaha is getting excited about bicycles!! Check out all of the new additions to our BFD tab up above.

Thanks to everyone who's on board!

A few that were just added include:
The Grey Plume (free Amuse Bouche, aka tiny yet amazing appetizer, with entree purchase)
Bear Creek Coffee (free air, patio seating, bottle fills, trail proximity)
Joslyn Art Museum (which is doing a special $5.00 instead of $8.00 admission during Bike to Work Week!)
Premier Physical Therapy (park your bike inside!)

As always, if you know of any business that may be interested in getting involved, let us know!

See you on the road.

SJ

TMP Stakeholder meeting this Wednesday

2011-05-09T10:46:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday night, there will be another meeting of the public input committee for the Transportation Master Plan. It's a great way to be have your voice heard by the officials that will ultimately decide what Omaha looks like over the next few decades. Want to see more transportation options than just single-occupancy cars? Want city streets to be friendlier to bikes and pedestrians? Now's your chance!

If you're not already on the TMP Stakeholder Committee, let me know and we'll get you plugged in!

Matt Martin

Here's the official meeting notice:

TMP Stakeholder Committee,

Here is a friendly reminder about Wednesday night’s committee meeting.

When: Wednesday, May 11^th 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Where: Neighborhood Center, 115 South 49^th Avenue

Tentative Agenda

1. Open discussion 15 Minutes

2. Statewide support network 5 Minutes

3. Local TMP support network 10 Minutes

4. Growth Framework 10 Minutes

5. Transportation project highlights 15 Minutes

6. TMP/Growth framework branding 10 Minutes

7. Goals and project evaluation metrics 15 Minutes

8. Wrap-up discussion / Next steps 10 Minutes

We have many topics to cover. The allotted times are a general timeframe; to respect everyone’s time. Its up to the group if we want spend more time than is allotted.

City staff will stay as long as needed.

Let me know if you have any questions and as always we understand if you can not attend. City staff is available to brief any committee member outside of these meetings if needed.

See you in a few days.

Thanks,

Derek

Derek L. Miller, AICP

Transportation Planner

City of Omaha Planning Department

1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1110

Omaha, Nebraska 68183

402-444-5210

www.cityofomaha.org/tmplan

twitter and facebook @ movingomaha

Vice President / Professional Development Officer

Nebraska Chapter-American Planning Association

THOR has a new website!

2011-05-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) sent word that they have updated their website. Head on over and take a look.

For Immediate Release:

THOR's website, trailshaveourrespect.org, has a new look!

Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) is excited to present our new website. Now visitors will have easy access to the information they need for a great trail experience: trail descriptions, event calendar, volunteer information and an updated trail alert system.

The trail descriptions have been updated to include expansions or new features. In the works are updated maps, GPS links and video for each trail so new users will have a clear picture of the type of terrain each trail offers to suit their trail experience.

The new Google calendar is a highly anticipated addition. It will list events that take place on our trails, as well as other events hosted by THOR and THOR partners.

Another great new feature is a complete volunteer guide so folks can choose from the many different ways to contribute to our organization.

And there's more. A complete photo gallery is coming, and new members will soon be able to sign up and pay online.

So, what are you waiting for? Check it out! And if you experience any problems, please contact our amazing and talented web master, Kevin Bratetic, at webmaster@trailshaveourrespect.org and he will take care of it right away. And if you have any suggestions on how to better the site, please email Roxy at marketing@trailshaveourrespect.org.

May is Bike Month!!

2011-05-03T14:15:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung and so has Bike Month. With so many activities planned for Bike Month this year, it's hard to keep track of everything. So we made this handy calendar to help everyone keep those wheels turning.

As always, let us know if we missed anything.

May 7th - Mtn Bike Race at Platte River State Park

2011-05-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

Nebraska Lottery Psycowpath MTB Series is the premier mountain bike racing series in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. Here you'll get quick access to race information as well as the down and dirty details of what to expect at Psycowpath events. The series combines many styles of races including cross country, short track and time trials. It is a family friendly event and participation is encouraged at all levels.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Closed Monday 5/2

2011-04-29T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Omaha World Herald reports that the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will be closed for an annual inspection on Monday, May 2. Plan accordingly!

New Bicycle Friendly Destination Additions

2011-04-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

Some fun announcements in the Bicycle Friendly Destination department!

*Crane Coffee (all locations now!): 10% off if you ride your bicycle there and show them your helmet.

*Jake's in Benson: $1.00 off any drink Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays evenings from 5-7p.m.

*Aroma's at 11th and Jones: has been a BFD for a while now, but just recently started offering a 10% discount when you ride there!

*The Greater Omaha Chamber 13th and Harney: outdoor seating in the back courtyard with tables and chairs, a big screen t.v. that will broadcast the CWS games, and a bunch of bike parking that is surrounded by security cameras!

Thanks to all who are supporters of cycling in Omaha!!

-SJ

B-Cycle Kiosk Demo at Aksarben Village

2011-04-29T11:56:00.002-05:00

As Demo'd by Michael Grube

Job Posting!!! DreamBikes Omaha!

2011-04-27T13:17:00.003-05:00

Activate Omaha and The Community Bike Project Omaha have partnered together to bring DreamBikes to the Omaha area!!! We are hoping for a June 2011 opening if all goes well.

Don't know what DreamBikes is?? Check out this link. Interested in the job opening? Check out this link for more information.

Also, save the date on your calendar: May 7th - DUST OFF YOUR BIKE!!! This will be an opportunity to bring your bikes out for minor repairs (air tires, lube chains, dusting off) and get it "ride" ready!!! It will also be an opportunity for us to collect bikes for both The Community Bike Project Omaha and DreamBikes!! So, if you're planning to buy a new bike and don't know what to do with your old one...bring it down to us!!!

DUST OFF YOUR BIKE
MAY 7, 2011
10-2PM
78TH & CASS
(Old Blockbuster parking lot)

Mayors' Bike Ride!!

2011-04-27T12:59:00.003-05:00

We'd love to have the largest group of riders ever in 2011! Join mayors from Bellevue, Council Bluffs, and Omaha!

Spread the word!!

Grab your bike!!

Join us!!

Volunteer Opportunities - Plug In!!

2011-04-19T11:31:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung, and so has the events calendar!! Help us get more kids on bikes, get more people bike commuting, get more people aware of cyclists on the road ... and have a good time hanging with like minded people in the process! Contact Julie at jharris@activateomaha if you can help with any of these events.

EDITED TO ADD: Our friends at the Community Bike Project of Omaha also have ways to get involved! Check out that info HERE!

Thursday, April 21

4-6pm
Harrison Elementary Bike Rodeo (54th/Hamilton)
Need: Assist with bike obstacle course/bike skills

Saturday, April 23
Varied (10:30a-2p, 1:45 – 4:00, 3:45 - 6)
Earth Day! (Elmwood Park)
Need: Help distribute bike info, answer questions, help with bike valet parking

Saturday, April 30
11 – 2
Westbrook Elementary Bike Rodeo (80th/Western – just off Keystone Trail)
Need: Assist with bike obstacle course/bike skills, basic bike tune ups

Saturday/Sunday, April 30/May1
Varied (10-5 Saturday; 10-4 Sunday)
Omaha Health Expo (Civic Auditorium)
Need: Help distribute bike info, answer questions

Saturday, May 7
Time TBD; probably 11-2 or so
Dust Off Your Bike/Bike Drive
Location TBD – near 78th/Cass or Dodge
Need: Assist in bike collection/donation process, distribute info, basic bike tune ups

Saturday, June 4
Varied (6:30am-3p)
Urban Omaha (Activate Omaha’s urban adventure race)
Need: Assist with race: team challenges, start/finish line, etc.

Saturday, June 19-29
Varied (afternoons/evenings)
Bike to the Ballpark – College World Series
Need: Assist and monitor valet bike parking

Race 2 Recycle Update!

2011-04-18T15:52:00.000-05:00

The count down is on to Omaha's first Race 2 Recycle! It's less than a month away, but there's still time to register and if you do so by the end of the month, you'll still be able to receive all the goodies that go along with it! There is day of registration as well, but don't procrastinate!

You may or may not have noticed, but there have been a few adjustments to the details of the event. It is NOT at Midtown Crossing any more. The new venue is at Miller's Landing, down by the river. This will make it a much safer and more enjoyable place to get excited about cycling, and REcycling in Omaha.

Hope to see you there!!!

-SJ

Fact Checking Portland

2011-04-18T13:02:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Steve, a recent Omaha transplant from Portland (Yes - people apparently do move FROM Portland TO Omaha!? Who knew??), for sending this link. Portland peeps frequently cite this data (or something similar - I've also seen it compared to the cost of a freeway interchange), and it stands up!

Portland Mayor Sam Adams says Portland’s spent on its bike infrastructure what it would normally spend on a single mile of highway.

True or False? http://www.politifact.com/oregon/statements/2011/mar/19/sam-adams/portland-mayor-sam-adams-says-portlands-spent-its-/

Adam's Park - Bike Rodeo

2011-04-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

Need a tire pumped up? Chain oiled? Seat tightened? Free to the Public.

Kids can bring their bikes and volunteers will have it up and running quickly so they can ride the new dirt trail at Adam's Park. Lots of activities, including Free Bike Repair, Trail Rides, Safety Course, Snacks & Water.

Adam's Park Community Center, 3121 Bedford Ave, Omaha, NE

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-11T15:05:00.004-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am all to pleased to announce the Ladies and Gentlemen's Cycling Club ride for the month of April. The trees are budding, flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and beautiful people on bicycles are flocking to the streets.

Please join us on Sunday, April 17th for a momentous afternoon of cycling in Omaha. We will gather outside of Greenstreet Cycles at NOON. The earlier meeting time will allow the Ladies and Gentlemen's Cycling Club to make a cordial and most visible appearance to the Omaha Tea Party at Memorial Park. (facebook event page)

Since the dapper members of the L&G Club will already be dressed in their Sunday's best, attending the afternoon tea party is only natural and highly encouraged. It is certainly the place for the well-dressed and well-mannered to see and be seen.

We of the Ladies and Gentlemen's Cycling Club would never miss such an event.

All two-wheeled riders are encouraged to join!

With regards,

The Ladies and Gentlemen's Cycling Club

Taco Ride - Wabash Trace

2011-04-05T14:09:00.000-05:00

It's officially spring and the Taco Ride is in full swing again on Thursday evenings. If you enjoy a social ride with others through the trees on crushed limestone, this ride is for you. A bit more info at www.tacoride.com.

The name "Taco Ride" has become synonymous on Thursday nights with the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and the 10-mile stretch between the trail head in Council Bluff, Iowa and Mineola, Iowa. For many, the Thursday night ride is a scenic trek through the Loess Hills ending with dinner at the Mineola Steakhouse. For others, the Taco Ride is a social event filled with cycling, scenery and a festive, party atmosphere. Everyone agrees that Thursday on the Wabash is something special.

"That" hill on the Missouri River Trail

2011-03-25T10:17:00.004-05:00

If you've ever ridden up Ponca Hill Road on the way to Ft. Calhoun, you know "that" hill. You know, the one that leaves you gasping for air, that makes your thighs burn--the one that makes you wonder, in short, why the @#%* NRD can't move the trail off the road to that nice, flat field that's highly visible off to your right.

If this desperate thought has ever gone through your oxygen-starved brain searching for distractions to keep you from thinking about how you're going to die climbing that hill, you're not the only one. NRD has received a number of concerns along these lines, and I thought it would be worthwhile posting NRD's response to one of them, as it lays out the issues quite thoroughly. NRD doesn't seem to make these decisions lightly or without considerable research into the situation and potential options. It may not make your uphill climb any easier, but at least now you can distract yourself with all the reasons why the trail goes this way. And just think about that downhill!

(Reprinted with permission from NRD)

First – I am the project manager for this trail project and also a biker. I’ve ridden this area a number of times over the years – from as far north as Tekamah, Nebraska (when I lived there over 10 years ago) south to the Old Market and I share your concerns regarding the grade – it IS steep. More about that later.

As you are no doubt aware – this trail segment – from Ponca Road north to the Washington county line – is the District’s final, 1.5 mile segment that will connect an approximately 17 mile hard surface trail from the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County – south to the Omaha Riverfront, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the Old Market. Once you are on the Riverfront – you can cross the pedestrian bridge and ride the Council Bluffs trail system south all the way to Missouri. Whew!

The decisions leading up to the current alignment location were many and varied encompassing nearly 6 years in planning, studies, reports, permits and funding delays. Yes, six years! The ultimate question was: Do we want to build the trail? Once our Board said “yes” (and the decision to build this trail segment was not an easy one) the routing was determined by many factors. First and foremost was the safety of the user whether they were a cyclist, runner, walker, roller-blader, etc. But, many, many other factors were also considered, studied and reviewed.

We did look extensively at other alternatives. We looked at going east to the river’s levy system and locating the trail on top of the levy and heading north on a very slight grade until we eventually curved back west - to the existing Washington County Trail; We studied the possibility of staying at the base of the hill on the east and then again cutting to the west – again intersecting the existing Washington County Trail; We reviewed several options to locate the trail west along Ponca Road for a bit and then cutting north along the valley area and then with a series of switchbacks - head back east, up the hill to the North River Road and then to the Washington County Trail; and finally, the only other reasonable option that would actually get the trail built, albeit steep and with its own issues, was to head up North River Road along the existing right-of way.

The discounted alignments were due to combinations of: existing wetlands, eagles, hunting, seclusion from populace with no clear line of sight (a usage/safety issue), nesting, inordinate amount of tree removal, private landowners concerns, erosion and stability of the rather fragile soils, extreme costs, and likely other issues that I’ve forgotten over the years.

We (the NRD) worked with a variety of other agencies over the past half-decade to obtain the necessary permits, authorization, clearances, etc. to include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding migratory and nesting birds and endangered species issues - potential for endangered species and clearances, and/or stipulations for their presence if found during construction, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for questions dealing with jurisdictional wetlands and studies to determine their locations and permitting; the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for mitigating any disturbance of the documented Cabanne Trading post site; the Douglas County Department of Roads; the Nebraska Department of Roads and the Federal Highways Administration. We also have to deal with both OPPD and Qwest with the relocation of their lines.

I’ll admit that this “simple” trail project has had more reviews and agency oversight than any I have ever been involved with in my nearly 30 years at the District.

Following this intensive review/study process, our only real alignment option, if we were to build the trail at all, was to proceed up North River Road. This being said, we really had only two choices remaining…the east or west side of the road. Our Board, after considering these options determined that, even though the cost would be considerably higher for construction, the east side of the North River Road would be at least as safe and the least objectionable from the existing landowner’s perspective.

Yes, trees will have to be removed and there will be disturbance to the area during construction. Overhead clearances for bridge boring machines and sheet pile installation (erosion control, hill stabilization) as well as a needed three foot clearance from edge of trail necessitate the poles to be relocated – a safety issue both for the bridge contractor (six bridges will be needed) as well as the trail user when completed.

I am also a biologist – deeply concerned with encroachments to our native tree and prairie species populations. As somewhat of a concession – and part of the overall trail project, we will ameliorate some of the tree removal damage by planting dozens of replacement trees. There will also be a linear rain garden constructed on the downgrade side along the north half (close to White Deer Lane) with native prairie plants. And, to help with the steep grade – both with the safety concerns you discussed in your e-mail as well as “simple” access - certainly a concern with the ADA requirements - signage will be installed on both ends of the grade. Additionally and more importantly, three ‘turnouts’ will be the installed along the steep grade. These accommodations were designed into the trail project, were extensively reviewed and comply with all of the federal and state ADA requirements. (We are in fact receiving federal/state funding for a portion of the trail cost.)

As I’ve indicated earlier, this was and continues to be a difficult and challenging project. I will let it go at that. But, if you have specific or additional concerns regarding the design, background, construction schedule or other thoughts, please contact me at your convenience. If you’d like, I can also meet with you on-site or at a location of your choosing.

Jim Becic, Environmental Coordinator
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
8901 S. 154^th Street
Omaha, NE 68138

March Meeting Minutes

2011-03-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

Omaha Bikes

Monthly Meeting Minutes

March 2011

At the awesome Side Door Lounge HHH last night, Julie and I realized we never posted the March minutes. Thanks to the 30+ that showed up to support the OB HHH. All had a great time and many $3 beers were drank. Kudo's to Steve Jamrozy for opening up early and being a gracious host.

Now to the Minutes:

In attendance: Bob Brindamour, Kurt Goetzinger, Joe Simoens, Shari Thompson (PACE), Craig Kelley, Chris Wolff (Trek), Sean Licari (Bike Way), Michael Grube, Robert Shaw, Mark Seipker (OPBC), Sarah Johnson (Greenstreet)

News

Matt, Tammie, Julie and Carlos are in Washington DC for the National Bike Summit.

Website project is on hold. The committee is reviewing the new direction in conjunction with the iRide website www.iridebecause.org. The website will include an online membership component.

The Race2reCycle event coming up on May 14. The big ride is a 174 tri-state challenge with a turnaround in Rockport, MO. A kids trike ride and a family ride are also part of the day. Start/finish at Midtown Crossing. The Landmark Group is putting on this event. There is an online sign up at www.omaharace2recycle.com, they are also on Facebook.

Aksarben Cinema is hosting the movie “Ride the Divide” on March 15 at 7pm. Tickets are $10 pre registration and $15 at the door; 10% of proceeds will be donated to Omaha Bikes! The club is working on a bike corral and having volunteers hand out Omaha Bikes information.

Omaha Health Expo is on April 30 and May 1 in the Omaha Civic – Mancuso Hall. The ride is Sunday morning and volunteers are needed to man a booth for the Saturday and Sunday event.

Existing Business

THOR Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, February 26, at the National Park Service on River Front Drive. Roxzanne Feagan was elected President. Committee leads were selected and breakout sessions brought some attention to the key areas, including social THORsday rides prior to the Psycowpath Saturday races, DEVO mountain bike development for kids, and maintaining trail systems.

Community Outreach is still on the move, with a couple places interested in becoming Bicycle Friendly Destinations. Sarah is looking for a one-page signup sheet for businesses to identify their discount/benefit agreement in writing. This can also be used as a mail-in form that any member can drop off a local businesses.

Advocacy: Emails and blog updates have been targeting the legislative moves around cuts in recreational trail funds. Also mentioned is the 3-foot grace rule being discussed for Nebraska, that law already exist in Kansas and Colorado. Craig also mention that Bellevue has passed the bill for Complete Streets. Michael reported that the UNO Advocacy group has met a couple times and is working on ideas. He also mentioned that UNO is interested in hosting a Bike Summit in the September timeframe, in conjunction with the wrap up of the Commuter Challenge.

Social Events committee is working on the first HHH of 2011, scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, details forthcoming. Sarah is checking on the Side Door Lounge. Also in March is the next Ladies & Gentlemen’s ride, slated for Sunday, March 27, pending Jolene’s plan. Check the Omaha Bikes calendar for more details. Local rides can be found on multiple blogs, the newest being www.grouprideomaha.blogspot.com posted by Mark Savory.

Education: The Traffic Skills 101 classes slated for Feb 26 in Lincoln were postponed. The rescheduled date is March 26. Plans are in place to offer adult bike education classes through Metro Community College, with tentative plans for a LCI Certified class later this summer.

Membership plans have moved out, along with the Website review, to the April/May timeframe. Along with the new Website, online membership will be available, with hardcopy forms also available to be hand carried to bike related events. The plan is to have a ‘more information’ form at the ‘Ride the Divide’ movie and hard copy membership forms available at the Health Expo.

Communications: Discussions included what to put on our Blog vs. Facebook. Sharing information via FB can include anything from sales, charity, rides, info, but our Blog needs to have an extra level of consideration. Events that promote shops, teams and clubs need careful consideration before we ‘promote’ it on our blog. If there are any questions, please contact our president or one of the committee leads.

Local Bike Shop info: The Bike Way is hosting a Swap Meet at their location on March 20, 11am-5pm. $5 for table space and all are welcome.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 12. We will have an update from the National Bike Summit!

Trail Construction

2011-03-17T13:26:00.000-05:00

We've had some reports today of trail issues that we thought we should pass along.

Big Papio Trail: The portion of the trail just south of Blondo (parallel to Miracle Hills Golf Course) has been affected by construction going on in that area. Check out Papillion Parkway as a potential alternative.

West Papio Trail: There is construction near the 144th Street and FNB Parkway/Eldorado Drive intersection, just north of West Dodge Road, and also around 144th Street and Norton Drive (just south of West Dodge Road, entrance to BoysTown). The 144th Street Trail runs through that area; please be cautious as you ride through there.

Please report any other trail issues you encounter so that we can pass the information along to others!

Midnight Deadlines!

2011-03-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

Two fun events are coming up and if you act fast, you can save a few bucks!

First of all, Ride the Divide is playing tomorrow (Tuesday the 15th) at 7:00pm at Aksarben Cinema Click HERE to buy tickets! If you buy them tonight you'll save yourself a few bucks. This is a fundraiser for Omaha Bikes and should be an amazing film. It's an award winning documentary about the crazy long bike race that travels 2,700 miles along the Great Divide. I think we're anticipating a pretty good turnout! We're even arranging a great bicycle parking option, so don't be afraid to pedal on over. Omaha Bikes will have a doation jar available if you're feeling particularly generous. See you there!!

Ride The Divide Movie Trailer from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

Secondly, the Race 2 ReCycle is coming up fast! Tonight is the last night of early registration. Landmark Group's Race 2 re:Cycle is a unique and fun filled cycling event taking place May 14, 2011, at Omaha's Midtown Crossing. Created to build awareness and help make the city of Omaha synonymous with both cycling and recycling, this family friendly event will include the longest tri- state bicycle relay race in the Midwest, a family fun ride, Omaha’s only children’s tricycle race, and many more activities for the entire family! Prizes will be awarded throughout the day for numerous games and contest. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

Get out and participate in these fun bicycle related activities.

-SJ

"Wear Yellow" Ride Scheduled for May 21

2011-03-09T17:50:00.001-06:00

BIG Changes Announced for the 8^th Annual Wear Yellow Ride!

The date has been moved from August to Saturday, May 21

The location of the ride has changed from the Keystone Trail to

Chalco Hills Natural Resources Center

8901 South 154th Street

Omaha, NE

This annual bicycling fundraiser will have multiple distances of 6, 12, 30, and 52 miles. The 30 and 52 mile rides will be held on a public roads and fully supported with water/food stops along the route.

There will also be a pancake brunch held after the ride with our legendary raffle and chance for participants to win door prizes!

Registration will be available at www.wearyellownebraska.org after May 14!

Proceeds benefit Wear Yellow Nebraska, a local grassroots organization fighting against cancer through advocacy, awareness and fundraising. We want to inspire others in the community to take action in our fight.

Ladies Night at the CBSO

2011-03-09T15:33:00.004-06:00

Calling all women in the Omaha community - With gas prices and the seasonal temperature on the rise, now more than ever is the best time to get on your bike and ride! Do you want to learn how to maintenance your bike? Do you want to gain the courage and safety techniques to get out on the road? The Community Bike Shop Omaha is bringing back Ladies Night to address all your biking concerns!

Join your fellow two-wheeled women for basic bike maintenance and conversation the first Monday of every month from 6-8pm at CBSO.

The Ladies Night will be geared towards hands-on bicycle maintenance instruction and conversation directed by your concerns. Ladies Night encourages all Omaha women to attend - young girls to the young at heart, dedicated commuters to training wheel riders. The purpose for this monthly gathering is to share knowledge and experience, inspiring and empowering women in the Omaha biking community.

When: The first Monday of the month, 6-8pm

Where: The Community Bike Shop Omaha, 525 North 33rd Street

Questions/concerns/ideas are welcomed and can be forwarded to joleneholland@gmail.com

Public Design Workshops

2011-03-07T10:15:00.001-06:00

Omaha cyclists: Please attending some of these planning sessions and advocate for bicycle infrastructure.

Public Design Workshop #1 (Focusing on areas outside I-680)
Where: Common Ground Community Center (1701 Veterans Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68022)

When: March 7th through March 10th.
Monday - 6:30 pm Public Presentation Tuesday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Wednesday - 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Thursday - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Thursday - 6:30 pm Public Presentation

Public Design Workshop #2 (Focusing on areas inside I-680)
Where: Omaha Public Schools Administration Building (3215 Cuming Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131)

When: March 21st through March 24th.
Monday - 6:30 pm Public Presentation Tuesday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Wednesday - 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Thursday - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Studio Open to the Public) Thursday - 6:30 pm Public Presentation

For more information please visit: www.cityofomaha.org/tmplan

Will A Bike Ride a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

2011-03-04T14:44:00.002-06:00

Researcher Says Portland’s Bike Paths Will Cut Its Health Costs

Swiss epidemiologist Thomas Gotschi, who, incidentally, has never visited Portland, decided to put together the first-ever cost/benefit analysis on biking in a U.S. city. He chose Portland to analyze because of its highest-in-the-nation bike commuter status among big cities. On the cost side, Gotschi added up the city’s past and planned expenditures on biking. On the benefits side, he looked at health care cost savings – how many fewer health care dollars will be spent on Portland’s citizens as a result of their getting more regular exercise from biking, and thus incurring fewer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Stolen Bike Alert!

2011-02-28T19:39:00.003-06:00

Please be on the lookout for an orange cross bike, an Lemond Poprad, recently stolen from local bicyclist, artist extraordinaire, and All-Around Good Guy Bill Hoover. This is not a picture of Bill's bike, but should be awfully close. There can't be too many out there looking like this on the Omaha streets. Bill eschews email, but I don't, so contact me with any leads: matt@communitybikeproject.org.

If your bike gets stolen, here's what you should do to maximize the chances of getting it back!

Thanks!
Matt

Scavenger Hunt! Win prizes!!!!

2011-02-28T15:50:00.002-06:00

I Ride and Omaha Bikes are hosting an online scavenger hunt and you are invited to participate...if you can handle a little competitive scavenging, that is.

The hunt will take place this Friday, March 4th and it’s easy to play.

Step 1: "Like" Omaha Bikes Facebook page.

Step 2: On Friday, March 4th we will post questions on Omaha Bikes Facebook page at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Check in to see the questions then go to I Ride's website at www.iridebecause.org to look for the answers.

Step 3: Once you find the answer post it on Omaha Bikes Facebook page. If you are the first one with the correct answer you will win a prize. (One prize per winner)

Step 4: Brag all weekend about your mighty hunting skills.

Prizes are sponsored by Bike Rack, Greenstreet Cycles and Trek Stores – Omaha & Papillion.

Advocacy Alert!!!

2011-02-28T15:30:00.002-06:00

Below are the links to two state bills that were mentioned in a meeting late last week as being ones local cyclists should be aware of because they would restrict funding for recreational facilities constructed by Natural Resources Districts. Both bills seem to be currently in the Natural Resources Committee (http://news.legislature.ne.gov/nat/), which includes several members from the Omaha metro: Chairperson Sen. Chris Langemeier (District 23), Sen. Beau McCoy (District 39) and Sen. Jim Smith (District 14). Attached is a map of the legislative districts to be helpful.

Consider voicing your opinion!!

LB 656

LB 487'

Award-Winning Documentary "Ride the Divide" Screening to Benefit Omaha Bikes

2011-02-23T08:54:00.001-06:00

Ride The Divide, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, will stop in Omaha on Tuesday, March 15 at the Aksarben Cinema. The event will be a fundraiser for Omaha Bikes.

The film chronicles the story of several mountain bikers who attempt the 2,711-mile race named the Tour Divide along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The movie was named the best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival.

This film has become an instant cycling classic, and made its television premiere in September on the Documentary Channel. But the Adventure Cycling Association said the film should be seen on the big screen: “The cinematography is stunning!” Added UpaDowna, “Ride The Divide is one of the most inspiring real cycling movies … in a long time.” Epic Riding summed the movie up as follows: “In a word? Fantastic. In more words? Moving, funny, inspiring.”

Ride The Divide embraces the inspiring stories of three of the racers who experience the immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. There’s Mike, a 40-year-old family man who uses this challenge to chart a new course in life; Matthew, a leader in extreme endurance racing who’s competing for his fifth time; and Mary, the ﬁrst female rider to race this route. As they set out, they will attempt to accomplish what very few have been able to. Over the course of a few weeks, they’ll attempt to climb over 200,000 vertical feet along the backbone of the Rocky Mountains.

They’ll experience mental breakdowns, treacherous snow, hellacious blisters, and total fatigue. Above all, they’ll race with no support – at times in total isolation. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reﬂect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.

Ride The Divide made its debut at the Vail Film Festival and was named the best adventure film at the event. Outside Magazine proclaimed that “(t)he toughest bike race in the world is not in France,” after reviewing the film.

Ride The Divide will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Aksarben Cinema located at 2110 S. 67th St., in Omaha. Tickets are $15 at the door, and $10 in advance at www.IMAthlete.com/Events/RideTheDividemovie. This event is sponsored by GreenStreet Cycles of Omaha.

Get Ready for DEVO!

2011-02-19T16:14:00.001-06:00

No, not that kind of Devo.

Devo, as in, developmental mountain bike program!

A great group of folks have been working hard over the winter to create this program that will launch this spring: Experienced riders/coaches will be teaching kids the basics of mountain biking during weekly practices at Tranquility Park (NW Omaha) and Swanson Park (Bellevue). Boys and girls of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Kids will be broken into groups according to age and interest: those wanting to learn the beginning skills so that they can ride for fun on their own, and those interested in taking their skills to the next level in a more competitve way via more specialize coaching and ability to participate in short kids races that will be set up at local adult mountain bike races.

Follow Omaha Devo on Facebook or check their blog for all the details, whether you have a child that might be interested or if you would like to get involved via volunteering. Registration for the spring session begins soon!

Kudos to the mountain biking community for coming together to form this program!

Omaha Businesses Step Up!

2011-02-18T09:17:00.004-06:00

President of the League of American Bicyclists Andy Clarke recently visited Omaha to describe the Bicycle Friendly Business program. The League administers the program free of charge as a way to encourage companies to take the next step in promoting bicycle commuting.

Of interest was Clarke's emphasis on the non-work trips, which account for about 85% of all trips. He recommended that businesses find ways to help employees make these shorter, easier trips as a gateway to longer rides.

Learn more about the program at www.bikeleague.org. Omaha is the proud home of over ten bicycle friendly businesses as described in earlier posts here.

Andy Clarke on Bicycle Friendly Businesses from Omaha Bikes on Vimeo.

President of the League of American Bicyclists describes the Bicycle Friendly Business Program during a recent trip to Omaha, Nebraska.

February Meeting Minutes

2011-02-14T13:58:00.000-06:00

Omaha Bikes

Monthly Meeting Minutes

February 2011

In attendance: Patrick McAtee, Mark Siepker, Craig Kelly, Kurt Goetzinger, Bob Brindamour, Peter Lieben, Matt Martin, Julie Harris, Mike Wagster, Sarah Johnson, Mark R, Tony Wilderwing, Joel Zimmerman, Peter Pellerito, Carlos Morales, Sloan Dawson

News
Jolene Holland sends a report that the next Ladies and Gentlemen’s ride will be at the end of February – watch the blog/Facebook page for more info.

Race2reCycle is a new event coming up on May 14. It will include a kids trike ride, a family ride and a 3 state, 170 mile bike relay. Start/finish at Midtown Crossing

Activate Omaha’s urban adventure race will be June 4. Start/finish at Aksarben Village.

Aksarben Cinema will host the movie “Ride the Divide” on March 15 at 7pm. Tickets are $10 pre registration and $15 at the door; 10% of proceeds will be donated to Omaha Bikes!

Existing Business
Membership Committee: Mike Wagster presented the proposed Omaha Bikes membership model. The goal is to get the model/website complete by March 31, do a soft campaign targeting current Omaha Bikes participants during April, and then do a “Charter Member” campaign May 1 – July 31. Great work, guys!

Website: The committee is moving forward on the project using a website package that includes a membership component. More info coming soon.

Andy Clarke from the League of American Bicyclists will be making the rounds in Omaha on Friday, Febrary 11. All are welcome to attend a special Handlebar Happy Hour at the Brazen Head at 4:30 on the 11th.

Bike to the Ballpark: Plan is almost complete, pending official approval on bike corral location. We are working with the city, Metro Transit, and others. Many, many volunteers will be needed to help staff the bike corral during the CWS (June 18-29). Please plan to plug in if possible!!

Advocacy: Matt reported that he and Julie attended the Iowa Bicycle Summit in Des Moines. There were good sessions on Safe Routes to School, IMBA, etc. It was good to see their model as we think to the future and planning a similar event ourselves. A “Nebraska State Capitol Day” was discussed – similar to what we do at the national bike summit when we visit Capitol Hill.

Bike/Ped Coordinator Update: Carlos encouraged everyone to get involved in the Transportation Master Plan update process via the public workshops coming up in March and April.

Communications: Kurt reports that he expects news coverage for Andy Clarke’s visit. Please keep Kurt in the loop with all events so that he can get information blasted out in a timely and effective manner!

Education: Julie reports that a group of Omaha LCI’s will be going to Lincoln on Feb 26 to help teach Traffic Skills 101. Matt, Julie and Kay Grant are teaching a bike ed class at Western Hills Elementary school this spring on Tuesday afternoons. Plans are being put together to offer adult bike ed classes through Metro Community College starting this summer. The courses can be taught off campus, instructors will be paid, and the courses will be listed in the quarterly course catalogues mailed to the community!

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 8. Several of us will be en route to Washington DC for the National Bike Summit! We will be blogging/twittering frequently during our time there.

Race 2 re:Cycle

2011-02-08T09:33:00.000-06:00

Landmark Group’s Race 2 re:Cycle is a unique and fun filled cycling event taking place May 14, 2011, at Omaha's Midtown Crossing. Created to build awareness and help make the city of Omaha synonymous with both cycling and recycling, this family friendly event will include the longest tri-state bicycle relay race in the Midwest, a family fun ride, Omaha’s only children’s tricycle ride, and many more activities for the entire family! Prizes will be awarded throughout the day for numerous games and contest. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

You can find more information at the event website or the associated facebook page.

Add Job Creation to the Many Benefits of Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

2011-02-07T15:33:00.001-06:00

New research from the Policy Economy Research Institute reveals that pedestrian and bicycle projects, including repairing footways and painting bike lanes, can create nearly twice as many jobs per dollar spent than typical road projects (click here for report). In a case study of Baltimore, the report finds that for every $1 million spent, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects were shown to create eleven to fourteen jobs, while "road infrastructure projects" only created seven jobs for every $1 million spent. This is because bicycle and pedestrian projects are more labor intensive, so a greater portion of money spent is spent paying workers than for materials. Typical road projects spend a greater portion on materials.

Winter Biking Primer

2011-01-25T11:32:00.000-06:00

The fine folks over at Streetfilms posted this video today titled "Winter Biking Primer". So if your having trouble getting out on the bike during these cold winter days, take a look at this video and get motivated.

Brrrr! Don't let the weather knock you out of your bike commuting routine. On a recent trip to Chicago, Streetfilms had the opportunity to go on a ride and get several helpful tips for making winter biking not only do-able, but enjoyable. So today, as temperatures sit in the single digits in New York City, we thought we would provide you with a little winter riding inspiration from our friends in the mid-west.

Winter Biking Primer from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Omaha Bikes Meeting Minutes - January

2011-01-24T12:05:00.000-06:00

Omaha Bikes

Meeting Minutes – January 2011

In attendance: Bob Brindamour, Joe Simoens, Mark Siepker, Julie Harris, Jason Alter, Tammie Dodge, Steve Herbermann, Tony Wilderwing, Chris Wolf, Tony Todd, Robert Shaw, Joel Zimmerman, Kurt Goetzinger, Sarah Johnson, Mike Grubbe

Updates:

No Ladies & Gentlemen’s rides will be scheduled for January and February. The next ride will be Sunday, March 13. Jolene will update the blog with details in March.

Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, will be in town on February 11! Activate Omaha and Welcom (Wellness Council of the Midlands) will be planning a luncheon for business leaders that day, and a Handlebar Happy Hour is being planned for that evening. Watch the blog for more details.

Iowa Bike Summit is January 28- 29. Matt and Julie will be driving to Des Moines and attending Saturday’s session; others interested in attending can get ahold of Julie (jharris at activateomaha dot org) and we’ll coordinate travel plans.

The National Bike Summit is March 8 – 11. Activate Omaha staff are planning to attend, as is Matt Martin, Kent McNeill (Trek Bicycle Stores), Jim Carveth (Bike Rack), Carlos Morales (City Bike/Ped Coordinator) and some other local business leaders. Anyone else interested in attending and being part of the Nebraska delegation is welcome! Get in touch with Tammie or Julie for details. We’ll plan again this year to tweet, blog and post our little fingers off while we’re there!

PACE (People Aspiring to Cycle and Exercise) is a new organization in Omaha looking at helping people with physical disabilities gain access to adapted bicycles and cycling opportunities. It was agreed that their mission fits well with that of Omaha Bikes and we look forward to having them join us in our quest to get more people on bikes.

Moving Forward: Omaha Bikes/Community Bike Project/Activate Omaha partnership
The leadership has been discussing the best way to organize and manage our resources in the most effective way. The following structure has been proposed:

1. The creation of an Omaha Bikes “SuperBoard” consisting of reps from Omaha Bikes, CBPO, Activate Omaha and the Mayor’s Bike/Ped Advisory Committee. This group would meet quarterly during the transition to help guide the organization. Omaha Bikes would remain under the Live Well Omaha umbrella for now.

2. The “staff” of Omaha Bikes would be Tammie Dodge, Julie Harris, Matt Martin – continuing the work they are already doing behind the scenes, but coming together to organize themselves and the work more formally.

3. The focus areas/committees identified during the Omaha Bikes strategic planning session would be used moving forward. Each committee would be co-chaired by one person from the membership of Omaha Bikes and a designated staff person. Each committee would continue to use volunteers from the OB membership to accomplish the goals that have been established. We encourage all Omaha Bikes members to get involved with at least one of the subcommittees!

4. The Chair position of Omaha Bikes will continue to be needed: this person will be a part of the “SuperBoard” and will help chair the monthly meetings. Bob has done an extraordinary amount of work as President the past year, and the new structure will take a large load of work off the shoulders of that position. It has also been suggested that a Chair Elect be selected to serve with the Chair and help with transition from year to year.

5. The actual Community Bike Shop at 33rd/California will serve as a branch of Omaha Bikes for classroom space, outreach opportunities and potentially satellite office space for staff. The CBPO board is in discussions about their vision of the partnership with Omaha Bikes as well.

A new Blog from one of our own

2011-01-23T21:45:00.000-06:00

We received an email from Aaron a few days ago letting us know about his new blog. Head on over and take a look.

Aaron Detter

A native Omahan through and through, I'm a master's student in urban and regional planning currently living in Albany, NY.
Over the past few years I've been taking notice of a paradigm shift in popular culture and advertising regarding bicycles as a mode of transportation - from dorky, loser-mobile to chic, green, and fashionable.
I recently stumbled upon an excellent blog called "The Bicycle in Pop Culture"(http://bicycleinpopularculture.blogspot.com). The blog hasn't been updated in close to two years, but the blogger, Scott, makes some brilliant (though, as I intend to show, increasingly irrelevant) observations about the depiction of bicycling in popular culture. This blogger has come up with his "Law of Bicycles in Pop Culture," which is as follows:
"All adult characters shown riding a bicycle for utilitarian purposes in a creative work will be depicted as either perverts, losers, or both."
See the blog (linked above) for some excellent examples.
The purpose of THIS blog is to sort of pick up where Scott left off; to show that his "Law of Bicycles in Popular Culture" no longer holds true; and, most importantly, to showcase the appearance of bicycles and bicyclists in various forms of media where the bicycle is either passively or neutrally shown as an average person's means of transportation (and recreation) or where the bicycle or bicyclist takes front-and-center as a statement of fashion and style. This blog will showcase the new era of bicycling that, though still in its youth, is already well afoot.
Featured in this blog will be screenshots of popular websites, publications, and advertisements; videos of commercial advertisements; scans of magazines and catalogs; and photography from various style and fashion blogs.
Finally, I'll put a "real world" face to this bicycle revolution by featuring Q&A interviews with friends and utility cyclists that I spot on the street.
Thanks for taking a look at my blog, and please come back again!

Transportation Master Plan Update

2011-01-18T14:40:00.000-06:00

Last minute info, but come out tonight if you can!
Meeting reminder:

The conversation for the future of Omaha's transportation will move to the next level on Tuesday! We will talk about where we have been, where we are today, and where we want to go in the future!
Help us to create our Transportation Vision!

Status Quo or ? (You Decide)
Tuesday January 18th, 6:30pm, Livestock Exchange Building, 4920 South 30th Street

Indoor Trainer Rides

2011-01-13T10:18:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to our friend Pete Lieben with the Omaha Pedalers who has once again collected and summarized all of the indoor trainer rides going on at the various Omaha-area bike shops!

SO, LET’S RIDE!

Tired of staring at the wall or Wheel of Fortune while pedaling alone mindlessly on your bike trainer? Want a diversion from the gym? How about joining friends and fellow cyclists for rigorous exercise at one of your favorite places—the local bicycle shop! Numerous Omaha bicycle stores offer free cycling training sessions during the winter season. This is a great opportunity to visit those stores that you always thought you wanted to see but never quite got around to. And…you get a great workout.

Bike Masters
http://www.bikemastersomaha.com/
5265 N 129th St (Corner of 129 St & Fort St)
(402) 964-1080

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and a Saturday ride at 9:00 am. Bring your bike and trainer. Check for updates and changes at our Facebook page, “Bike Masters Cycling”. All are welcome.

Bike Rack
http://bike-rack.com/
14510 Eagle Run Dr
402-333-1031

Saturdays meet at 8:15am with riding starting at 8:30am
Wednesday meet at 5:45pm with riding starting at 6:00pm
Sessions will last about 1 hour

What You Need
Your bike and your trainer or rollers.
Cycling clothes and shoes if you use them (Helmets are not required unless you tend to fall off your trainer.)
Water bottle and towel

If you do not already own a trainer stop in to the shop today and let us help you pick one out. Indoor trainers are a great way to keep in biking form all year long. (If you need a trainer, call ahead to see if we have extra trainers available). If you would rather not lug your bike and trainer back and forth to the shop for each session we can also store your bike and trainer in our warehouse between sessions at no cost.

Bike Way
http://thebikeway.com/
15115 Industrial Road
(402) 392-2390

Mondays from 6:00-8:00 pm beginning January 18. Bring your own bike and trainer or call ahead for trainer availability.

Greenstreet Cycles
http://www.greenstreetcycles.com/
1302 Mike Fahey St.
(402) 505-8002

Monday night ride (outside). Meet at 7:15 pm and leave at 7:30.
Also, to keep you flexible and limber, a yoga session Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30. ($5.00 charge)
Will announce indoor winter training later.

Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha
http://www.highgearomaha.blogspot.com/
8410 S. 73rd Plaza (Papillion)
(402) 935-1988

Tuesday-6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Saturday-8:00 am-9:30 pm

These rides are designed for the everyday cyclist from the novice to the expert. Please come out and join us for some cycling fun and maybe a cheesy 80's flick. Bring your trainer. We will have some but call ahead for availability.

Bike lanes create more jobs than other road projects, per $1 mil

2011-01-07T11:38:00.001-06:00

This GEM of a headline came via Twitter earlier, and needless to say, I've been re-tweeting my little wings off here. :) Please read and forward - it is the economic case for cycling that will be most in need of highlighting as we move forward!

http://networkedblogs.com/cIf5Z

Iowa Bike Summit, Anyone?

2011-01-03T15:16:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2011? Kurt G. keeps sayng that "2011 is going to be the Year of the Bike for Omaha," and I believe it! Make a resolution to plug in and help us on our quest to make Omaha the bicycle friendly city we know it can be.

First up on the list of opportunities: The Iowa Bike Summit. It's being held in Des Moines on January 28-29 (Fri/Sat). There are a couple of us that have expressed an interest in leaving at 0'dark thirty on the 29th and going for Saturday's session ... the more, the merrier! It will be a great chance to learn about what our friends in Iowa have going on, to see how their state bike coalition operates, and to network with other advocates.

We'll make sure to have this on the agenda at the Omaha Bikes meeting on January 11. In the mean time, check out the website and save the date on your calendar if you are interested in going.

On a side note: the Omaha contingent is shaping up for the League of American Bicyclist's National Bike Summit. We'll be out in Washington in March attending the conference and meeting with our Congressional representatives. If anyone has interest in joining us, please contact Julie. jharris (at) activateomaha (dot) org.

DC expands network of cycling lanes, bike-sharing program

2010-12-26T12:13:00.002-06:00

D.C. expands network of cycling lanes, bike-sharing program

By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 24, 2010; 9:35 PM

Drivers in the District could be sharing the roadways with more cyclists as the city expands its network of dedicated bicycle lanes and increases the number of bikes available in a regional program.

Signs and white flexible posts separating bike lanes from car lanes were installed along a stretch of 15th Street NW this week. When the work is finished, cyclists will be able to take 15th Street from V Street to Pennsylvania Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue from 15th Street to the Capitol - a total of 2.5 miles - on dedicated bike lanes.The two-way cycle track includes a new bicycle traffic signal at 15th and Pennsylvania.

"We're still working on about six or seven blocks of 15th Street," Jim Sebastian, cycling coordinator for the District Department of Transportation, said Thursday. "My guys are working on the finishing touches. . . . I'm guessing it will all be open by next week."

The District has 50 miles of bike lanes on its 1,200 miles of streets. It has created 47 of the 50 miles in the past nine years, Sebastian said.Crews installed a bike lane on 15th Street south to Massachusetts Avenue in fall 2009 and on Pennsylvania Avenue this past spring.

The dedicated lanes were designed to protect the riders and to increase the number of people who consider bicycling as a mode of transportation, Sebastian said.

"This is not bicycling for the sake of bicycling," he said. "We view bicycling as part of our transportation system, like the Circulator [bus service] and Metrorail. We want to give people an alternative."

John Lisle, a spokesman for DDOT, said as many as a dozen mostly metered parking spaces between I Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW were removed for visibility, but some of those spaces were replaced on side streets.

According to Census Bureau figures, people are taking advantage of the expanded opportunities for biking. The number of Washington residents who commute to work by bicycle has nearly doubled, to 2.2 percent, in the past 10 years, according to census data.

Annual counts conducted in key corridors show rush-hour bicycle trips increased by 82 percent from 2007 to 2010 at 20 of them throughout the District, according to DDOT information.

"Bicycling in D.C. has been increasing for many years, but we saw a real boost in the past two," DDOT Director Gabe Klein said in a statement. "Thousands of people have discovered this clean, convenient way to get around."

During that time, the District has operated SmartBike, a pilot bike-sharing program with 100 bikes in 10 locations throughout the city. Officials said SmartBike recorded more than 50,000 trips, but it will be phased out by Jan. 2 as a new program gains popularity.

Arlington County and the District launched Capital Bikeshare, a regional bike-sharing network, in September. Capital Bikeshare should have 1,300 bikes in 134 locations by next year, transportation officials said.

"I really don't think we can add stations fast enough to match the demand and incredible enthusiasm for Capital Bikeshare," Klein said.

Capital Bikeshare originally planned to have 1,100 bikes at 100 locations in the District and 14 in Arlington. But the District plans to add 20 stations and 200 more bikes, paid for with funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program.

Arlington has identified funding to add 16 locations next year, said Dennis Leach, director of Arlington's transportation agency.

"We're delighted the District is doing this," said Andy Clarke, the president of the League of American Bicyclists.

"Clearly the bikes and the bike lanes go hand in hand. It gives people the places to ride and the bikes to ride."

from the Washington Post, 12/24/10

Bicycles' Popularity Grows in Cities

2010-12-17T09:45:00.003-06:00

Bicycles' Popularity Grows in Cities

Bicycling has become fashionable. Urban and transportation policymakers take note.

Alex Marshall | December 2010

Bicycling, the mode of transportation stereotyped by short-pants-wearing tykes or spandex-clad health nuts, has become fashionable. Not since the 1880s -- when the first bicycle craze hit the nation and produced some of its first paved roads -- has this two-wheeled, self-propelled machine been such a symbol of urbanity and style.

In September, The New York Times ran a cover story in its fashion section about fashionable women and the bikes they were riding as part of their stylish ensemble, not apart from it. They could even choose high-status accessories, such as a $365 leather and canvas bag for their

handlebars.

“These daring young women, in their stylish attire, are turning heads as they roll by,” wrote Ruth La Ferla, the story’s author. “They are clad not in spandex but in fluttery skirts, capes and kitten heels.”

I don’t know what a kitten heel is, but it sounds nice.

The retail clothing company Banana Republic has been running full-page ads in national magazines showing a relaxed young man in a dark gray suit, red shirt, scarf and tie. And he’s not behind the wheel of an Italian sports car -- he’s on a bicycle.

As someone who’s been waiting for and urging along such a trend for about 20 years, I can only say, “Bravo!” I first fell in love with this type of cycling in Holland, where it’s common to see people in fine dresses and suits on bikes. It seemed so civilized.

Where I live in New York City, it certainly has become a real trend. I see fairly frequently now fashionable women on bikes, often with wicker baskets up front, sometimes wearing high heels and even elegant hats instead of helmets. Gentlemen riders, wearing pinstriped suits and carrying leather briefcases are a less frequent sight, but I do see them.

The Web, as always, amplifies this trend. There are countless blogs -- Urban Velo, Cyclelicious, Velo Chic NYC, Chic Cyclists, Bikes and The City -- dedicated to celebrating cycling in towns and cities. One is appropriately called Riding Pretty, which shows well-dressed women on bikes, often in heels and dresses, in and around San Francisco. The site says it is “dedicated to all the girls in the world who want to ride pretty on a bicycle. Here’s to living a bicycle lifestyle!”

So bicycling is a lifestyle! Who knew?

The significance of this trend goes way beyond fashion. It shows that bikes are once again becoming a means of transportation, not just for exercise or sport. And like that other mode of transportation, the car, bikes are becoming a means of expressing ourselves.

There’s little question that bicycling is coming back, whether as a pleasure spin, an outing to pick up milk or a practical roll to work. The venerable League of American Bicyclists, an organization that dates to the first cycling craze in the 1880s, reports that cycling to work grew 43 percent from 2000 to 2008. Selected cities have grown much faster. Portland, Ore., one of the nation’s cycling capitals, has seen a 238 percent increase in bike commuting.

This trend is happening both because and in spite of public policy. In New York City, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan has practically, in the wink of an eye, created bike lanes all over town by painting new white lanes on streets. Our mean streets have become less so. But bicycling, perhaps even more so when clad in a dress or three-piece suit, requires a degree of bravery and assertiveness. It’s still rough out there.

For policymakers outside New York, the choice is whether to embrace or resist this trend. Embracing it would mean more bike lanes and even more importantly, changing the legal relationship between bicycles and cars so that a driver is, by default, at fault in any collision. My research has shown that this more than anything else would make cycling safer because it would change drivers’ conduct.

Places with an older network of gridded streets will have an easier time accommodating those fashionable young ladies and men on bikes. But more suburban cities, with swooping arterials and soaring freeways, can do what they can. They risk ignoring this trend at their peril. For cities that aim to be receptive to a creative culture, accommodating bicycles and fashionable urban riders may be just as important as having a light rail line or an abundance of coffee shops.

(from Governing.com)

(photo of Omaha's own Mark Siepker added for local flavor)

Doing our part to improve Omaha's quality of life

2010-12-15T15:33:00.001-06:00

Omaha Bikes' mission "advocates for improved transporation, utility, and recreational bicycling infrastructure". We now have a great opportunity to improve our transportation infrastructure resulting in better living conditions for Omahans.

The timing for updating the Transportation Master Plan is perfect! We will be finishing the initial 20 miles of bike lanes and sharrows in 2011; we have hired a Pedestrian and Bicycling Planner, Carlos Morales, to see that biking is considered in all planning; now we are ready to develop a city wide bike transportation plan!

But Omaha's transportation master plan is much more multidimensional - considering many modes of moving people, and using transportation infrastructure to drive more sustainable land development and redevelopment.

Here is the Omaha Transportation Master Plan 2035 home page.
The video link on the left of the page contains the Nov 16 kickoff presentation. I highly recommend watching the consultant's presentation in minutes 18-50. Very enlightening!

The download link on the left contains the powerpoint slides in the video.
movingomaha is the facebook connection to the TMP 2035. They post recent links to sustainable urban development.

Currently, Omaha Bikes has over 750 facebook fans, movingomaha has over 75. If you want to use your bike for transportation or make Omaha more people friendly, at a minimum 'like' movingomaha.

Those who are willing to put some hours into improving the biking infrastructure and making Omaha more people friendly, attend the TMP 2035 public meetings.

For those willing to commit more time, who enjoy figuring out routes, have a background in transportation, or have contemplated how to get more people into utility bicycling, you have until Friday, Dec. 17, at 5 pm. to put in an application to participate in the TMP 2035 stakeholder committee.

Have a positive impact on the future of Omaha: get informed by watching the video, reading posted articles, and participating in the public meetings in order to make Omaha a better place to live.

December Meeting Minutes

2010-12-15T10:28:00.000-06:00

We had an awesome Omaha Bikes meeting yesterday. Great turnout, great ideas, great things coming in 2011!

Omaha Bikes

December Meeting Minutes

Tammie presented the “I Ride” campaign that EmSpace has put together for Douglas County/Live Well Omaha CPPW grant. The goals are to increase bike ridership and to educate on share the road issues. Local cyclists will be used as the “face” of the campaign, and it will begin rolling out soon. The campaign will feature messages in various form: posters, give aways, website, messages at the DMV, Safety Council traffic classes, etc., and will last for 18 months.

Committee Updates

Mark S: Holiday Handlebar Happy Hour will be held on December 28 at the Nebraska Brewing Company in Papillion. We have some space reserved, and all are welcome. The committee has decided to cancel HHH events until March. Cyclists will be surveyed to determine preferred locations/format; our Bike Friendly Destination locations will be featured when possible.

Sarah J: We are up to 19 Bike Friendly Destination locations with more on the radar screen! Sarah will work with Bob to get blog BFD info updated. The Road to Roubaix movie night fundraiser raised $109 for OB. The next Ladies & Gentlemen’s Cycling Club tweed ride will be December 19 around Lake Zorinsky. Mark & Becky Siepker are hosting; see the blog for details.

Bike DeLights was a huge success – perfect weather, and approximately 65 festive cyclists attended. (About double from last year!)

Tammie: The bike education committee has been meeting and honing a strategy to begin offering classes in 2011 that will be taught by our new LCI’s! The group is currently researching best practices from other communities (Columbia, MO, etc.) and will report more at the next meeting.

Matt: Advocacy…. Just got back from a personal trip to Washington DC, but took time to visit the LAB offices and some other folks on the Hill. Andy Clarke, Exec Director for the LAB will be in the Lincoln/Omaha area in February, and we’ll do what we can to get a meeting with him and OB.

Julie: Bike to the Ballpark planning for the CWS is coming along. The goal is to get a basic plan in place by January so that the info can be included in the publications & website. The group is working with Metro Transit, the city’s special events traffic consultant, OPD and others. We will need volunteers to help with bike corral duty during that time.

Sean Licari: A new kids mountain bike development club is being formed. There will be an opportunity for kids to just learn skills and ride for fun and also a track for more formal coaching/racing for those who would like to go that route. Sean will be the liaison between the group and Omaha Bikes. The next organizational meeting for this group will be January 7 at 6:30 at the Panera Bread at 132nd/West Maple.

Mike D.: The OPD pawn shop division is revamping their webpage to include information on stolen bikes: how to report, where to report, what to do, how to keep your bike safe. The Omaha Bikes website, OPD pawn division and Activate Omaha will now all point to each other for this so that there is a consistent source of information. The idea of registering bike serial numbers for people was also discussed. (Excellent work, Mike! Thank you!!)

Bob: Discussions are in the process regarding the potential “merger” of Omaha Bikes and the Community Bike Project. The goal is to look at all of the cycling initiatives going on and see how we can best use our resources and funding opportunities to be as efficient as possible. Any thoughts/ideas/concerns about this idea can be sent to Bob.

The website committee has been meeting and is looking at a couple of options. More work coming in 2011.

What should YOU do if your bike was stolen

2010-12-14T14:08:00.002-06:00

As more people are starting to ride bikes in and around Omaha, we have seen an increase in bike thefts. It's great that more people are riding, but nobody wants to be the victim when it comes to bike theft. If your new to cycling in general or don't know how to lock up your bike properly, take a look entertaining videos below (courtesy of Street Films) to get a better idea of what it takes to keep your bike safe in a city like New York.

The first thing you should do to protect yourself from bike theft, and you should do it RIGHT NOW, is record the serial number, make, and model of your bike. The serial number is found on bottom of your bike at the point where the pedals/crank arms pass through the frame (also know as the bottom bracket). Having this information available will greatly increase your chances of seeing your trusty steed again.

The next bit of info comes directly to us from the Omaha Police Department's Pawn Unit (and for what it's worth, the OPD has been a VERY supportive partner with the Omaha transportation cycling community).

How to report stolen or lost bicycles:
Call 911 to report a theft in progress from a dwelling or storage unit, or when evidence is left behind such as video surveillance.
Call the Telephone Report Unit (TRS) at 444-4877 to make a police report if your theft occurred in Omaha. Sometimes all operators will be busy and you will be asked to leave your name and telephone number. Someone will contact you within 36 hours. Normal hours are from 6am-10pm and reports can be taken in English or Spanish. Please provide the following information to the operator to increase the odds of a stolen bicycle being recovered:

Color
Indicate if it’s a Man’s, woman’s, or kids bicycle
Make
Model
Serial number
Special markings
Special gear attached to the bicycle (bags, lights, stickers)
Value

If you have a photo of your bicycle you can send it to the Pawn Unit via OPD’s website.http://www.opd.ci.omaha.ne.us/contact-us/pawn-squad
Make sure you copy down the report number (RB #) the operator provides you for your records and reference that number in any photos you send.