September 13, 2014
Dear Mr. Pahls,
I would like to encourage you to vote to override the
mayor’s veto in support of creating a position dedicated to active
transportation in the Public Works Department.
I believe the benefits to of doing so would outweigh the costs. Creating this position now will continue the
momentum Omaha currently has towards becoming a progressive midwestern city
with a lot to offer for energetic people who like to get out and move. I often see people of all ages and
backgrounds out enjoying our city’s many multi-use trails. They may be walking, bicycling, or
rollerblading, but one thing they tend to have in common is a smile. They also seem to be healthy. These are the kinds of people I am proud to
share our city with.
I remember as a kid in the 1970s 1980s riding my bicycle along Q
Street to get to the Q Cinema 6 to see a movie. We did not wear helmets back then, and the
shoulder was slender at best. Luckily I
survived and since then I have developed a pretty serious addiction to
bicycling. I reckon there are worse
habits! Since then the Keystone Trail,
the Big Papio Trail, the West Papio Trail and the Huntington Park Trail have
been built and have greatly increased the quality of my life here in
Omaha. I think many Omahans share this
view. I also am fortunate enough to live
about 5 miles from work. On most days, I am able to bicycle along several multi-use trails then a few side streets to my work. It keeps me in shape, I save a bit of money
that I would be spending on gas, and it’s one less car on the road during what
can be a busy commute. We have come a
long way as a city.
I am able to stay healthy and support my family while still
enjoying my bicycling habit. But when
friends and colleagues bring up my habitual mode of transport they often seem
bemused or concerned for my safety. I
look forward to a time when bicycling is not considered an alternative form of
transportation, but a practical and useful way to commute and run daily
errands. The safety aspect is one that I
take seriously. I try to ride somewhat
slowly and predictably, especially as I approach intersections. I always have at least two blinking lights on
my bicycle. I prefer using multi-use
trails and side streets when possible.
But I have to admit to myself that it is somewhat dangerous. Bicycling becomes less dangerous when there
are more bicyclists. This encourages
motorists to become more aware of bicyclists and promotes a peaceful and
harmonious coexistence.
Mayor Stothert may believe that multiple means of transport
are already viable options in our community.
It is true that we have come a long way.
But there are still many things that we can do to continue to create
more versatility in our transportation systems.
I think we need to create an east-west bike lane or multi-use trail to
provide more opportunities for bicycle commuters who do not want to ride on
roads that are often busy and may not have shoulders. Cities like Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, as
well as smaller cities like Madison, Wisconsin have created many multi-use
trails and bicycle lanes that make these cities very attractive to active
people who are looking for a welcoming community in which to settle and raise/flee families.
I know that your job is to make tough decisions. One decision that I hope you will make is to
invest the time and effort to consider this issue. I believe that you will find that promoting
multiple means of transportation in a city creates stronger, happier, healthier
communities. Although automobiles might be the primary way we get around for a long time, as our community grows I feel
our choices in transportation should grow as well. A number of studies (referenced below [and stolen taken from ModeShift Omaha's website]) have
documented the economic and social benefits related to developing
infrastructure that supports multiple forms of transport.
I hope that you will support this effort to provide a path
towards a more flexible and progressive transportation plan for our community
by voting to override the mayor’s veto.
Thank you for being a leader in our community and for standing up for
what we believe.
Sincerely,
Bike Snot OMA
P.S.: Please stop by so we can go bicycling together. What size shorts do you wear?
References:
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