Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The course to protect bike lanes can get bumpy. Now, with more people parking in the lanes and scooters added to the mix, those on bikes are calling for more awareness. Bicyclists like Sarah Johnson and Scott Blake told KETV NewsWatch 7 they're already frustrated with a lack of bike lanes. Johnson and Blake pointed out problems on the southbound stretch along Happy Hollow Boulevard in Dundee: Cars are parking here, especially when there is activity at the nearby church, blocking the bike lane. “I think it might be a little bit of both ignorance and just entitlement maybe,” said Johnson. Johnson and Blake have been reporting the issues to Omaha police. “Our hands were tied since the signs were not adequate at that time,” said Capt. Marcia West of the Omaha Police Department. West said officers couldn't give drivers tickets. “We've checked Nebraska state statutes and the city ordinances, and we could not find anything regarding that,” said West. West added while there's no law against parking in bike lanes, the city of Omaha does have an ordinance against parking in a prohibited place if there is a “no parking” sign posted. So, for now, that's the solution: “No parking” signs along the southbound bike lane from Western to Webster Streets. “It's going to be hard to miss it now,” said Blake. “Public works said they were going to put up a few signs, so that should really help, and then we'll enforce those, especially on Sundays,” said West. As for other bike lanes throughout Omaha, a public works engineer said staff are working with the law department on a proposed ordinance. Johnson vows those on two wheels are doing their part, too. “So, I've been in contact with Bike Walk Nebraska, Mode Shift Omaha, Pete Festersen, council member, about putting some sort of ordinance, city or statewide ordinance in place about specifically not parking in bike lanes, so hopeful that will come to something,” said Johnson. If you'd like to report any concerns with bike lanes, you can call the mayor's hotline during office hours or 911. KETV News. Chinh Doan. Jun 25, 2019.
The course to protect bike lanes can get bumpy. Now, with more people parking in the lanes and scooters added to the mix, those on bikes are calling for more awareness. Bicyclists like Sarah Johnson and Scott Blake told KETV NewsWatch 7 they're already frustrated with a lack of bike lanes. Johnson and Blake pointed out problems on the southbound stretch along Happy Hollow Boulevard in Dundee: Cars are parking here, especially when there is activity at the nearby church, blocking the bike lane. “I think it might be a little bit of both ignorance and just entitlement maybe,” said Johnson. Johnson and Blake have been reporting the issues to Omaha police. “Our hands were tied since the signs were not adequate at that time,” said Capt. Marcia West of the Omaha Police Department. West said officers couldn't give drivers tickets. “We've checked Nebraska state statutes and the city ordinances, and we could not find anything regarding that,” said West. West added while there's no law against parking in bike lanes, the city of Omaha does have an ordinance against parking in a prohibited place if there is a “no parking” sign posted. So, for now, that's the solution: “No parking” signs along the southbound bike lane from Western to Webster Streets. “It's going to be hard to miss it now,” said Blake. “Public works said they were going to put up a few signs, so that should really help, and then we'll enforce those, especially on Sundays,” said West. As for other bike lanes throughout Omaha, a public works engineer said staff are working with the law department on a proposed ordinance. Johnson vows those on two wheels are doing their part, too. “So, I've been in contact with Bike Walk Nebraska, Mode Shift Omaha, Pete Festersen, council member, about putting some sort of ordinance, city or statewide ordinance in place about specifically not parking in bike lanes, so hopeful that will come to something,” said Johnson. If you'd like to report any concerns with bike lanes, you can call the mayor's hotline during office hours or 911. KETV News. Chinh Doan. Jun 25, 2019.
