WOWT: Omaha Cited As A Bike Friendly City

WOWT
September 30, 2011
Reporter: John Chapman
http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/Bike_Friendly_Omaha_130845303.html
Omaha was honored Friday by the League of American Cyclists for being a bicycle friendly community, investing in and improving city infrastructure to accommodate two-wheeled commuters.
Those who ride around town say things are changing and the city is trying hard to make bike riding a pleasant experience. All the signs of a bike-friendly community are in Omaha with special lanes on some streets for riders. Don't own a bike? Blue Cross Blue Shield will rent you one.
At Greenstreet Cycles near North 13th Street and Mike Fahey Boulevard, Brett Grell and son Collin were buying new tires for his bike. Brett thinks biking conditions around town have improved. "I would say so. I feel more comfortable on the street."
Brett says it's important for bike riders to follow the rules of the road. Those who get around on four wheels agree, but some still worry about bike riders in traffic. "I think it gets dangerous," said motorist Jennifer Thielen.
"It makes me really nervous," said motorist Alicia Battershell.
The award recognizes Omaha's commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
League of American Cyclists' judges were particularly impressed with Omaha's unique public and private partnerships that led to the initiation of the Bike Omaha System, which will encompass over 20 miles of on-street bicycle facilities, the launch of Omaha B-Cycle and the Transportation Master Plan, which seeks to create a balanced transportation network for the city.

www.LiveWellOmaha.org

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Omaha
• Nebraska b-cycle
• bike
• health
• wowt
• bicycle friendly community