[nelaw08]

We certainly have "room" for cyclist lanes. In fact, one of the most consistent things people comment on when they visit me from other cities is how wide and empty the streets are downtown. Omaha is the lest congested town I have ever lived in, and that includes a town in Montana. Also, use of bicycles as a mode of transportation should be encouraged by everyone. They dont use gas, they take up less space on the roads, and they promote fitness. For a town as fat and gas addicted as Omaha, it sounds like a great idea to me. I know the American way these days seems to be fat, gas addicted and inefficinet, but we've got to start somewhere.

[Calvinist]

Originally Posted by nelaw08

I know the American way these days seems to be fat, gas addicted and inefficinet, but we've got to start somewhere.

You go ahead. I'll keep my motorcycle and car.

[Isitmeorarethingsnuts?]

There should be a tax on cyclists if they are using the roads just as vehicles are taxed. Especially if they are creating a position for someone to coordinate the effort.

[harshbarj]

Taxing cycling is the wrong idea. That would discourage the use of bicycles, exactly the opposite of what needs to be done. Also to my knolage no us city charges cyclists anything. I also don't believe any European cities do either. Only places I could find were in Asia.

Also people in Omaha ALWAYS complain about how the taxes are too high or that Nebraska is the 'tax me state'. Here is a chance for Omaha residents to take advantage of something that is tax free, yet some want it taxed. Sounds like people just want to complain no matter what it is about.

[nelaw08]

Should there also be a tax on pedestrains? Calvinist, I am a motorcycle enthusiast (I restore and ride vintage bikes) and I am surprised that you dont support cycling. The presence of more cyclists on the roads will encourage more drivers to look twice before pulling into traffic. As a guy who rides a motorcycle, I think that is a very good thing. Wouldn't you agree?

[Gunluvver2]

One issue I would like to see addressed is bicycle theft. In Lincoln during a ten year period I had three bicycles stolen. Two of the bikes were chained to solid objects and bolt cutters were used. The third one was stolen while I was three feet away from it. I was sitting in a booth next to a large window at the U-Stop on 27th & E in Lincoln. The thief took the bike while I was watching him do it. I picked his picture out of a lineup and later he was arrested for another crime. My bicycle was never recovered but justice was obtained. I was working as a corrections officer at the State Pen where this inmate was sentenced to do his time. He just about dropped a load in his drawers when I stopped him on the yard for a pat search.

GL2

[harshbarj]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

One issue I would like to see addressed is bicycle theft. In Lincoln during a ten year period I had three bicycles stolen. Two of the bikes were chained to solid objects and bolt cutters were used. The third one was stolen while I was three feet away from it. I was sitting in a booth next to a large window at the U-Stop on 27th & E in Lincoln. The thief took the bike while I was watching him do it. I picked his picture out of a lineup and later he was arrested for another crime. My bicycle was never recovered but justice was obtained. I was working as a corrections officer at the State Pen where this inmate was sentenced to do his time. He just about dropped a load in his drawers when I stopped him on the yard for a pat search.

GL2

Good luck with that. Even the Netherlands has rampant bicycle theft. Best defense is to have a junk bicycle. My daily commuter is a nice European city bike that I would cry if I lost it. However my day to day bicycle is a $50 gt that I got at a pawn shop. Even at that I still use 2 chains and a u-lock on it (the u-lock cost more than the bike )

My suggestion is to get a o-lock (frame lock) that supports axiliary cables. Use the axiliary cable to lock the front wheel and then use a heavy chain to lock the frame and both wheels again. Lastly get a heavy duty u-lock and lock the frame and front wheel to a post. That's what I do and I have yet to have a bicycle stolen(granted, I have only been cycling for 3 years). Overkill? Perhaps, but I want to keep my ride.

[faintlyamused]

Originally Posted by nelaw08

We certainly have "room" for cyclist lanes. In fact, one of the most consistent things people comment on when they visit me from other cities is how wide and empty the streets are downtown. Omaha is the lest congested town I have ever lived in, and that includes a town in Montana. Also, use of bicycles as a mode of transportation should be encouraged by everyone. They dont use gas, they take up less space on the roads, and they promote fitness. For a town as fat and gas addicted as Omaha, it sounds like a great idea to me. I know the American way these days seems to be fat, gas addicted and inefficinet, but we've got to start somewhere.

EXACTLY.

If Chicago's streets can handle a heavy amount of bicycle traffic, I'm sure Omaha's can. The streets in Omaha are so much wider and nicer than the ones here (in my opinion).

[harshbarj]

Originally Posted by faintlyamused

EXACTLY.

If Chicago's streets can handle a heavy amount of bicycle traffic, I'm sure Omaha's can. The streets in Omaha are so much wider and nicer than the ones here (in my opinion).

Even NEW YORK has made room for cyclists, and the population density is FAR greater there (nearly twice that of Chicago). In Omaha I feel it simply comes down to motorists not wanting to slow down. They feel it is their right to do 50 in a 30. Personally I would love to see all residential streets reduced to 20mph.