Good showing at the hearing

It was great to see a lot of the folks who participated on Sunday at last night's budget hearing. Multimodal transportation was well represented by members of ModeShiftOmaha, Pedal Happy, and the chair of the new Active Living Advisory Commission. Surprisingly, I believe there were only two who spoke against the need for a Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator: the spokesman for what appeared to be a local Tea Party group, and a gentleman who suggested there were more important things to do with the money.

Now that the hearing is over, the unfortunate reality is that the position won't be restored this year. Even should a majority of the council approve, it will tale five of the seven to override. Therefore, we should plan for that eventuality.

First, continue to let the council and the mayor know how we feel; if nothing else, it will keep the need in their minds.

Second, pushed them on the Complete Streets issue. While the concept is included in the Master Plan, it will be far more difficult to ignore if it is codified in the city's ordinances.

Third, support the Active Living Advisory Commission. For th  time being, they are our voice for alternative transportation in Omaha.

Fourth, keep asking the mayor who the point person in Planning or Public Works will be. She's stated that she'll have someone by year's end, but that's way too long. We need to know where to go NOW!

Finally, be visible. Get outside. Walk, ride your bike, take the bus. Show that multimodal transportation is the best choice for the future of Omaha.

We don't coast; we walk and ride!

WOW!!

Yesterday was the day for the Bike/Walk Rally at Stinson Park to show support for alternative transportation choices in the city, and to ask for greater inclusion in the 2015 budget. When Laura and I set out at 11:00am, there was a light, mist-like rain starting to fall. "No biggie," I thought, "it'll just keep everyone cool." The rain began falling harder the closer we go to the park, and I worried that the turnout would be small. Imagine my surprise to see over 100 folks already there, and it was 30 minutes before the start!

While visiting with folks we know, the crowd continued to grow until, at noon, it appeared that there were close to 300 standing in the rain to support walking and biking in Omaha. After short, well-received speeches by Craig Moody of ModeShift, city councilman Chris Jerram, and Omaha Bikes spokesperson Ryan Feagan, Sarah Johnson detailed the suggested routes for walkers and cyclists.

The event was given great coverage by the Omaha World Herald and the local TV stations. Thanks, y'all! You can catch the links below!

WOWT

KETV

KPTM

KMTV

Omaha World Herald

In the interest of fairness, the Mayor has responded in a letter written to various advocacy groups in the city. It largely rehashes the "Ten Minutes" interview noted a couple of days ago.

For Your Consideration

This morning I read a statement on Twitter that got me thinking: "If you believe too much in reality, how can you innovate." This resonated with me in light of what's going on in Omaha's multimodal community.

If you read yesterday's post, you're aware the mayor is attempting to eliminate the bike/pedestrian coordinator position in the 2015 budget. This is our reality.

Walking and cycling are still not viable options in many parts of our city. This is our reality.

Omaha is not yet as bike/ped friendly as it could be. This is our reality.

Let's make sure we don't get so wrapped up in the "reality“ that we forget to innovate. Review the Transportation Element of Omaha's Master Plan. Wouldn't a Complete Streets Policy fit in beautifully? So let's push for that policy.

Next time you're out and about, take a look around at the shops, clubs, restaurants, etc. that you frequent. Are they bike friendly? If  the answer isn't an obvious "YES," ask them why not?

Finally, follow the suggestions in yesterday's post. Because the REAL reality is that we need keep our voice in city government.