Market-to-Midtown Bikeway

[BRoss]

NDOT's Moving the Metro came out for 2021 and it lists the Harney Street Bike Way as occurring this year.

This pilot project is tenatively scheduled to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in fall 2022. Harney St from Dewey Ave to 10th St will have lane restrictions due to construction of a two-way protected bike facility along the south side of the roadway.

https://ndor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTo ... 014d321507 (Page 15)

[Taco]

NDOT's Moving the Metro came out for 2021 and it lists the Harney Street Bike Way as occurring this year.

This pilot project is tenatively scheduled to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in fall 2022. Harney St from Dewey Ave to 10th St will have lane restrictions due to construction of a two-way protected bike facility along the south side of the roadway.

https://ndor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTo ... 014d321507 (Page 15)

Happy to hear, but this project should not take 18 months. I was excited for the temporary project because it would create induced demand and demonstrate the need for this infrastructure, but now we will have to wait. Two steps forward, one step back.

[ita]

NDOT's Moving the Metro came out for 2021 and it lists the Harney Street Bike Way as occurring this year.

This pilot project is tenatively scheduled to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in fall 2022. Harney St from Dewey Ave to 10th St will have lane restrictions due to construction of a two-way protected bike facility along the south side of the roadway.

https://ndor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTo ... 014d321507 (Page 15)

Happy to hear, but this project should not take 18 months. I was excited for the temporary project because it would create induced demand and demonstrate the need for this infrastructure, but now we will have to wait. Two steps forward, one step back.

Yeah, agreed. I am glad the testing phase is moving forward, but bummed it will take so long.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today’s W-H-

“Cyclists in Omaha could be pedaling down the city’s first protected bike lane by May.

A proposed pilot program calls for bike lane infrastructure to be installed along a stretch of Harney Street that would run from 10th Street in downtown Omaha to Turner Boulevard near 31st Street.

“Let’s get it in place, let’s see what we can learn from it so that if and when these permanent installations are made, we’ve got some best practices established,” Andersen said.

The council is scheduled to consider the pilot at its April 13 meeting. Construction of the lane could begin yet this month.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/pilot-coul ... the-latest

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Taco]

From today’s W-H-

“Cyclists in Omaha could be pedaling down the city’s first protected bike lane by May.

A proposed pilot program calls for bike lane infrastructure to be installed along a stretch of Harney Street that would run from 10th Street in downtown Omaha to Turner Boulevard near 31st Street.

“Let’s get it in place, let’s see what we can learn from it so that if and when these permanent installations are made, we’ve got some best practices established,” Andersen said.

The council is scheduled to consider the pilot at its April 13 meeting. Construction of the lane could begin yet this month.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/pilot-coul ... the-latest

Ciao..LiO...Peace

This article was so frustrating to read. I can't believe they didn't mention how this exact same idea has been brought up both last year (along with a second lane by Creighton) and ~10 years ago. By ignoring the history of delays and obfuscation by the city it reads like a PR piece. If it can't even report local news right the OWH deserves its continued slide into irrelevancy.

[Busguy2010]

You'd have to be an avid and very in shape cyclist to even consider using this. Your average joe out for a stroll to get groceries will be huffing and puffing and walking most of the way, thus rendering the lane useless for that portion. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea, I just think the practicality of it is limited, at least on this street. It is practically all uphill from Downtown on out.

[Taco]

You'd have to be an avid and very in shape cyclist to even consider using this. Your average joe out for a stroll to get groceries will be huffing and puffing and walking most of the way, thus rendering the lane useless for that portion. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea, I just think the practicality of it is limited, at least on this street. It is practically all uphill from Downtown on out.

You're forgetting about e-bikes, scooters, etc. I am excited to see this come to fruition and think it will be surprisingly popular.

Proper cycling infrastructure has shown to be like the field of dreams again and again..."if you build it..."

[Busguy2010]

Like I said, don't get me wrong. This is a limited-spending way of increasing bicycling infrastructure, and that is good. I'm just doubting its real practicality. Half the year it is too hot, half the year there is snow in the road. So you are really limited to maybe April-June, and September - some of November. And that is if you care to ride the hills... And aren't motorized vehicles prohibited on sidewalks and trails?

Again, I'm not against it.

[ita]

You'd have to be an avid and very in shape cyclist to even consider using this. Your average joe out for a stroll to get groceries will be huffing and puffing and walking most of the way, thus rendering the lane useless for that portion. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea, I just think the practicality of it is limited, at least on this street. It is practically all uphill from Downtown on out.

You're forgetting about e-bikes, scooters, etc. I am excited to see this come to fruition and think it will be surprisingly popular.

Proper cycling infrastructure has shown to be like the field of dreams again and again..."if you build it..."

It has been done over and over again in other cities with bike infrastructure; provide than some kind of barrier against traffic, and bikers will notice and use it. It's true for other types of infrastructure projects. I will be not surprised that this pilot project becomes permanent because of induced demand.

[BRoss]

The City Council approved the project.

https://www.wowt.com/2021/04/14/omaha-c ... e-project/

[Athomsfere]

Like I said, don't get me wrong. This is a limited-spending way of increasing bicycling infrastructure, and that is good. I'm just doubting its real practicality. Half the year it is too hot, half the year there is snow in the road. So you are really limited to maybe April-June, and September - some of November. And that is if you care to ride the hills... And aren't motorized vehicles prohibited on sidewalks and trails?

Again, I'm not against it.

I do the bike things. To me there is no such thing as too hot. Only too cold. I know people who think only a real bike person rides year round.

The hills can be rough though, heading west. But 100% doable with a little practice.

[Busguy2010]

I do the bike things. To me there is no such thing as too hot. Only too cold. I know people who think only a real bike person rides year round.

The hills can be rough though, heading west. But 100% doable with a little practice.

I've ridden my bike to work countless times, and it is just a 10 minute ride all downhill. If it is anything over 70 something, I am literally sweating though my clothes and am almost not decent enough to work at that point. I'm not out of shape at all either, but I am also not an extreme bicyclist.

I couldn't imagine living at 13th & Harney and riding my bike to work at 36th & Harney or vice versa. That would be a really solid deal breaker for me. Those hills are no joke.

[yard salad]

I rode down Harney today and this project is well underway. Striping was nearly completed from 31st to about 26th. In my opinion, Harney is a good choice because even though it is hillier than Leavenworth/St Mary, it is much closer to downtown and Midtown Crossing. Having protection is in my opinion, worth the extra effort. That being said, I ride an e-bike and the hills are not an issue.

[mistergutierrez]

Actually Harney is a very steady climb, inclination barely changes all way from 13th to 26th. Farnam, Saint Mary and Leavenworth have very steep sections. I think is the best route bike wise between DT and Midtown.

[Athomsfere]

I rode by this yesterday too (and it's on my route for the gym via bike).

I didn't see the protected lane, just paint. Is a barrier still coming?

[mistergutierrez]

They were adding barriers today starting on the west side. The whole project looks neat.

[ita]

They were adding barriers today starting on the west side. The whole project looks neat.

Thanks for the photo update. It looks good!

[Busguy2010]

This is actually a really progressive move for the city. Like I said, I'd probably never use it, but it is cool to see.

[Busguy2010]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

[Cermak]

I saw this yesterday, I didn’t even know about this project. I was impressed with how it looks so far. I would like try it sometime. As long as there aren’t any real steep inclines it shouldn’t be a problem. If it has gradual inclines then most riders should be able to handle it. Good idea for Omaha. I would think someone who was involved in picking the street rode the route before it was picked.

[yard salad]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

I don't think so. There are still two lanes of one-way traffic that go eastbound and two parking lanes, even with the bikeway.

I rode the finished section this morning going east. The paint is down and the bollards are up from 31st to 24th. It was really great to not have to worry about getting doored or about drivers wandering into my lane. I haven't tried riding it west, though, which seems tricky to me because of the lack of traffic lights.

[mistergutierrez]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

I don't think so. There are still two lanes of one-way traffic that go eastbound and two parking lanes, even with the bikeway.

I rode the finished section this morning going east. The paint is down and the bollards are up from 31st to 24th. It was really great to not have to worry about getting doored or about drivers wandering into my lane. I haven't tried riding it west, though, which seems tricky to me because of the lack of traffic lights.

I rode both ways yesterday as I went to Wohlners for groceries. For westbound rides you can follow the pedestrian crossing lights. Pleasant experience, I felt safe. Also, reducing Harney to two lanes decreases the speed of cars, which helps the feeling of safety.

Omaha has four handicaps for using bikes for commuting purposes:
1) The hills
2) The weather
3) The urbanism
4) The lack of infrastructure
It is nice to see the city trying to fix the issues that can be fixed.

A similar project along 24th would be great too.

[yard salad]

The bike lane is open all the way to 15th street with a protected detour around the Justice Center construction. The opening ceremony was held the other day too.

[Athomsfere]

I biked the extra block or two to take this the other day.

Man, this lane is amazing. 9/10 really. As the potholes and storm drains on Harney are still there and worse on a bike stuck in the gutter. But otherwise, loved it!

[Brad]

Looks great and I can't wait to ride it soon. Curious though, what happens to all those cones (Or whatever they are called) when they plow the snow?

[yard salad]

I biked the extra block or two to take this the other day.

Man, this lane is amazing. 9/10 really. As the potholes and storm drains on Harney are still there and worse on a bike stuck in the gutter. But otherwise, loved it!

I took it today from Turner to 14th Street today. There are indeed some serious potholes, hopefully they will patch those up. But otherwise it's a great system and actually made the commute relatively peaceful.

There are also a few strategically placed counters (air hoses across the lanes), so they are tracking the usage of the bikeway.

[Athomsfere]

I biked the extra block or two to take this the other day.

Man, this lane is amazing. 9/10 really. As the potholes and storm drains on Harney are still there and worse on a bike stuck in the gutter. But otherwise, loved it!

I took it today from Turner to 14th Street today. There are indeed some serious potholes, hopefully they will patch those up. But otherwise it's a great system and actually made the commute relatively peaceful.

There are also a few strategically placed counters (air hoses across the lanes), so they are tracking the usage of the bikeway.

Yes, I made sure to hit those both ways.

And it was very nice to not have to watch as much traffic.

[yard salad]

The worst of the potholes have been filled. There are still some nasty drainage grates that will snag you if you're not careful.

I've been cycling this to work and back twice a day for the last several days, and I'm very happy with it. I used to take the bicycle gutters on Leavenworth/St. Mary. The bikeway is much calmer and has a longer stretch without traffic lights. It's also more shaded from trees and tall buildings, which is an unexpectedly nice benefit.

Harney is, like another poster mentioned, still hilly but much more gradual than Leavenworth and really takes the bite out of the westbound climb from downtown.

[Brad]

Tuesday night I rode the Bike Way from 10th to Midtown and Back. It was great. Seems longer until you actually ride it.

On the next Grow Omaha Construction Update (coming out any time now), there will be a time lapse from 10th to Midtown town and Back from my handle bars.

[buildomaha]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

I don't think so. There are still two lanes of one-way traffic that go eastbound and two parking lanes, even with the bikeway.

I rode the finished section this morning going east. The paint is down and the bollards are up from 31st to 24th. It was really great to not have to worry about getting doored or about drivers wandering into my lane. I haven't tried riding it west, though, which seems tricky to me because of the lack of traffic lights.

Omaha has four handicaps for using bikes for commuting purposes:
1) The hills
2) The weather
3) The urbanism
4) The lack of infrastructure
It is nice to see the city trying to fix the issues that can be fixed.

A similar project along 24th would be great too.

In regards to the hills that worry many:

E-bikes

They will be transformative for a city like Omaha.

[ita]

https://m.facebook.com/ModeShiftOmaha/p ... &source=48

Advocates were able to get an amendment in the CIP to include additional funds, when there were none, for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. There is now money set aside to make this permanent.

[BRoss]

I hope they pass those amendments. This is a pretty cool project and I wish I had it when I lived down there.

[Athomsfere]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

I don't think so. There are still two lanes of one-way traffic that go eastbound and two parking lanes, even with the bikeway.

I rode the finished section this morning going east. The paint is down and the bollards are up from 31st to 24th. It was really great to not have to worry about getting doored or about drivers wandering into my lane. I haven't tried riding it west, though, which seems tricky to me because of the lack of traffic lights.

Omaha has four handicaps for using bikes for commuting purposes:
1) The hills
2) The weather
3) The urbanism
4) The lack of infrastructure
It is nice to see the city trying to fix the issues that can be fixed.

A similar project along 24th would be great too.

In regards to the hills that worry many:

E-bikes

They will be transformative for a city like Omaha.

Ugh, I sort of hope e bikes go away.

Our hills really aren't THAT bad.

[buildomaha]

Also, I just don't know, but is making Harney two way a part of this? It kinda looks like there's only room for one lane of traffic if they don't remove the parking on the north curb.

I don't think so. There are still two lanes of one-way traffic that go eastbound and two parking lanes, even with the bikeway.

I rode the finished section this morning going east. The paint is down and the bollards are up from 31st to 24th. It was really great to not have to worry about getting doored or about drivers wandering into my lane. I haven't tried riding it west, though, which seems tricky to me because of the lack of traffic lights.

Omaha has four handicaps for using bikes for commuting purposes:
1) The hills
2) The weather
3) The urbanism
4) The lack of infrastructure
It is nice to see the city trying to fix the issues that can be fixed.

A similar project along 24th would be great too.

In regards to the hills that worry many:

E-bikes

They will be transformative for a city like Omaha.

Ugh, I sort of hope e bikes go away.

Our hills really aren't THAT bad.

They aren’t that bad, but Americans are lazy. In order for biking to become mainstream it has to be as effortless as possible.

I personally love using e-bikes. They make it possible for anyone to bike to work without sweating all the way through your outfit!

[Athomsfere]

They aren’t that bad, but Americans are lazy. In order for biking to become mainstream it has to be as effortless as possible.

I personally love using e-bikes. They make it possible for anyone to bike to work without sweating all the way through your outfit!

I don't generally mind them, on for example the bike paths. But I fear this protected lane is too narrow for a 30+ mph e bike going up a hill. against traffic.

I haven't run into it yet, but I'd prefer the bike lanes (vs bike paths) stay non-motorized. Maybe I'll change my tune eventually too.

[ita]

They aren’t that bad, but Americans are lazy. In order for biking to become mainstream it has to be as effortless as possible.

I personally love using e-bikes. They make it possible for anyone to bike to work without sweating all the way through your outfit!

I don't generally mind them, on for example the bike paths. But I fear this protected lane is too narrow for a 30+ mph e bike going up a hill. against traffic.

I haven't run into it yet, but I'd prefer the bike lanes (vs bike paths) stay non-motorized. Maybe I'll change my tune eventually too.

Your concern is valid. Several states have adopted a class system for e-bikes, including Nebraska. It seems like we are safe from 30+ mph e-bikes taking over as long as there is some enforcement on trails and bike lanes. My half butt internet research tells me that even in progressive California, bike lanes are limited to Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, ones that are motor assisted up to 20 mph. Class 3, which is motor assisted up to 28 mph are prohibited on bike lanes unless local rules allow otherwise. In Nebraska, e-bikes are any motor assisted bicycles up to 20 mph and they are allowed anywhere a bicycle is. Based on my 6th grade level research, anything that is assisted above 20 mph would not be consider an e-bike and therefore would not be allowed in a bike lane (or trail, for that matter).

[Athomsfere]

They aren’t that bad, but Americans are lazy. In order for biking to become mainstream it has to be as effortless as possible.

I personally love using e-bikes. They make it possible for anyone to bike to work without sweating all the way through your outfit!

I don't generally mind them, on for example the bike paths. But I fear this protected lane is too narrow for a 30+ mph e bike going up a hill. against traffic.

I haven't run into it yet, but I'd prefer the bike lanes (vs bike paths) stay non-motorized. Maybe I'll change my tune eventually too.

Your concern is valid. Several states have adopted a class system for e-bikes, including Nebraska. It seems like we are safe from 30+ mph e-bikes taking over as long as there is some enforcement on trails and bike lanes. My half butt internet research tells me that even in progressive California, bike lanes are limited to Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, ones that are motor assisted up to 20 mph. Class 3, which is motor assisted up to 28 mph are prohibited on bike lanes unless local rules allow otherwise. In Nebraska, e-bikes are any motor assisted bicycles up to 20 mph and they are allowed anywhere a bicycle is. Based on my 6th grade level research, anything that is assisted above 20 mph would not be consider an e-bike and therefore would not be allowed in a bike lane (or trail, for that matter).

I've already seen people try to restrict ebikes from the Omaha trails, and I don't like it at all. For one, I can hit 28mph on my bike on the keystone. (GPS has confirmed) but there is also plenty of visibility and room to slow down, move over etc..

So the more I think on this, the more I think the best solution is to take another lane / the parking spots for the bike lanes and give ebikes and bikes the safer area to cycle. But, being Omaha I doubt this could actually happen.

[buildomaha]

The only e bikes I have used must have been class 1. Seems that keeping only low-power e bikes is a great solution!

[Garrett]

In NYC, the Citi Bike system has a bunch of pedal assisted e-bikes which I feel like are a good compromise. I use them most of the time when I'm going places and don't want to sweat and be out of breath when I get there.

[Busguy2010]

I commend all who have used this route, in this heat so far. I don't have any reason to use it, and probably never will, but if I were to, I'd imagine I would prefer to walk the hills, or just walk the whole distance, which is probably why it isn't my avenue. I'd argue that the hills in Omaha are that bad, which is why unless you are an avid bicycle commuter -which some of you seem to be- you probably wouldn't frequently use this thing. Which brings me to the E-bike thing... I would have no issue with E-bikes if it is not rented, and they couldn't exceed a certain speed. Brings me back to my original point, if you're worried about E-bikes zipping by you going up a hill, then the hills are that bad. If you have to stand up, full out pedal up a hill to maintain speed, then it is a considerable hill. I mean, I'm just trying to get to work, not use my commute as a cross-fit workout.

If I ever do use it just out of curiosity, it will be around the first freeze ~ first or second week of October when its like 50-60 degrees, or at night it'll get down to 30's, before the snow falls too. It would be a very narrow window of use for me. I think October- the first sizeable snow would be the only usable time, so maybe if lucky, October 1st - mid November.