Connectivity across Omaha, Neb., will be improved this summer with the addition of 14 new Heartland Bike Share stations and 100 new e-bikes that will be introduced along the Transit Authority of the City of Omaha's (Omaha Metro) ORBT route.
The project will improve links between popular destinations such as the Old Market, Blackstone, Dundee, Crossroads, the Keystone Trail and the broader bike share network.
“These new bike share stations will offer vital first and last mile connections for ORBT riders, improving connections between ORBT Stations and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Lauren Cencic, Omaha Metro CEO. “This project provides a more seamless experience for riders on both the bus and bike share systems.”
The installation of these new bike share stations and addition of 100 e-bikes was coordinated through a partnership between Omaha Metro, Heartland Bike Share and the city of Omaha. This project was financially supported by a generous grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and additional funds from Omaha Metro.
“We’re thrilled to provide more ways for folks to travel with this bike share and ORBT partnership,” said Benny Foltz, executive director of Heartland Bike Share. “As bike share evolves into more of a public transit option, we are seeing more riders and trips, especially with the growing number of e-bikes at our stations.”
E-bikes assist the rider as they pedal up to 17 miles per hour, making it easier to tackle hills and travel long distances. Electric pedal-assist bikes open riding up to a new type of rider, ones who may not have been comfortable riding prior to the gentle assist of electric pedal-assist bikes. There are now 300 electric pedal-assist bikes in the Heartland Bike Share system. With faster travel on bikes and new connections to ORBT, members of the community will have improved travel options across Omaha.
