Bike to the Ballpark!

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.

State Fair Gets Bike Friendly!

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!!

Time to Bike to the Ballpark!!!!

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!!!