By Grace Huffstetler, OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha is in the middle of major infrastructure changes, and new developments aim to improve alternative transportation. Grace Huffstetler takes us on how one local group is working to push better policies for safe biking access. Bike Walk Nebraska is a nonprofit that’s been advocating for better transportation access in Nebraska since 2013. They started out focusing on biking safety, and broadened their mission in 2018 to advocate for all modes of transportation.
They work at the state and local level, collaborating with senators, city council members and even the Nebraska Department of Transportation to implement safer policies. Executive Director Julie Harris said part of the challenge is learning how to communicate to different departments of people.
“It’s helpful to understand who makes the decisions and sort of follow the breadcrumbs on who we need to talk to,” Harris says.
One of the main issues Omaha faces is no current bike lanes for cyclists across the city. A protected bike lane was put in as a pilot project by Bike Walk Nebraska on Harney Street. Though it has now been taken down due to construction and development of the Omaha Streetcar project.
According to Bike Walk Nebraska’s 2024 crash report, there were 104 crashes statewide involving cyclists and pedestrians. The organization supports many bills, such as the Vulnerable Road User bill, and others to enforce speed limits in school zones and red-light violations. Communications Coordinator Taylor Sterba says that these bills will help with pedestrian safety.
“All people are safe to use roads, and if we have another tool in the toolbox to deter unsafe driving behavior, we’d love to see those implemented,” says Sterba.
With the streetcar and bike lane in development, as well as bills to ensure better road safety, Bike Walk Nebraska works hard to help bring transportation access to not just Omaha, but to all of Nebraska.
For more on Bike Walk Nebraska’s latest initiatives and programs, visit their website at www.bikewalknebraska.org. They offer free bike riding classes through their program Learn-To-Ride.
An electric bike for use in Omaha – with the logo “These Wheels Keep Omaha Moving.” (Photo/Grace Huffstetler
A photo of 30th and Harney, where construction has overtaken a major part of the road — including the demolished bridge when turning right. (Photo/Grace Huffstetler)
