[harshbarj]

I just visited 2 of the 4 locations for omaha's b-cycle program. The one by aksarben village had just 2 bicycles in it while the one on 67th and pine was almost full. Sadly so far they are clustered around the aksarben village area only with one at UNO. It would be nice to see these in and around the old market area as well.

Omaha B-cycle | Omaha Bike-Sharing Program | B-Cycle | bcycle.com

The program went live on Wednesday (15th).

photos from the launch
B-Cycle Launch - June 15, 2011 | Facebook

[MountainMen]

I imagine they are clustered around Aksarben so people can ride them on the Keystone trail. Too bad they don't have a location downtown, though.

[harshbarj]

I'm not sure of their reasoning, but I do know they are planning to expand this system like mad in omaha now. By next summer don't be surprised if we have more than 15 or 20 stations scattered all over town. From how local organizers are talking omaha could quickly be one of the top cities with the most b-cycle stations in the nation.

Also they have 5 station as of now, not the 4 I mentioned.

The bikes are rather nice with a front hub generator for the lights, and a rear 3 speed IGH. They have a large front basket and another nice feature popular in eastern Europe are the skirt/coat guards on the rear wheels, I happen to own a bike with all these features and they make great trouble free commuters.

I may just pay early to support this program and use them when I am out that way. Save some wear on my bike that way.

[iamjacobm]

I figured they were centered at Aksarben because Blue Cross Blue Shield is the primary sponsor.

[harshbarj]

Not directly connected with the bike share, but The bike parking at the CWS has been a hit this year. From what I hear, Saturday alone there were 100 bikes parked at greenstreet by people headed to the event. I am still waiting on Sunday numbers but they sound almost as good. I just KNOW people will find ways to complain about it but look at it this way, those were 100 less cars looking for parking. Not to mention the savings in exhaust emissions.

[Jukesgrrl]

Wow, what a great thing you're instituting this bike program. It's very progressive -- a boon to the environment and encouraging good health practices. Congratulations, Omaha!

[Calvinist]

It makes me leery to go riding somewhere...unsure if there will be one available when I want to come back. But if I'm just looking for recreational lunch time ride, it's a great idea.

[harshbarj]

Originally Posted by Calvinist

It makes me leery to go riding somewhere...unsure if there will be one available when I want to come back. But if I'm just looking for recreational lunch time ride, it's a great idea.

And that's why they are looking to expand. These type of programs are insanely successful all over the world so they clearly work. If your local station is empty you can either wait for a bike to return or walk a block or two to the next station. You can check for availability at any station. I used the one at aksarben village to check availability at each station in Omaha. Was kinda neat.

[Calvinist]

Originally Posted by harshbarj

And that's why they are looking to expand. These type of programs are insanely successful all over the world so they clearly work. If your local station is empty you can either wait for a bike to return or walk a block or two to the next station. You can check for availability at any station. I used the one at aksarben village to check availability at each station in Omaha. Was kinda neat.

I agree--it sounds like a good idea...it'll be interesting to see how it works.

[harshbarj]

In other cycling news..

I have found out the plan is to turn Harney street from it's start in the east all the way to 40th into a livable street. It will be reduced to 2 or 3 lanes and will get a separated 2 way bike path. LOTS of landscaping will be done to improve this area and make it more attractive to live and work on or near.





It also looks like I am going to get my wish with s24th street as the plan it to install some sort of bicycle lane from 24th and L all the way past the North Omaha business district. The map simply shows a yellow line and I think that is for bike lanes. Would be nice if they could extend that lane down to Q street to assist in getting through the south Omaha business district.



The PDF I got this from was dated 4/7/11 so this is still fairly new.