Safe Trails Initiative
About
What is the Safe Trails Initiative?
A Group of walkers, runners, and cyclists that use the Omaha Metro trail system.
Safety is the primary goal of the Safe Trails Initiative. There are many people utilizing the growing trail system in the Omaha metro area that is comprised of Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Ralston and LaVista. In addition to those trails that are developed and maybe managed by the Papio NRD.
Walkers – Runners – Cyclists
The trails are used for Recreation and transportation. The value of the trail system with over 150 miles, cannot be overstated with the positive impact it has on the local economy.
Signs
With safety in mind, we are focused on getting the various municipalities to add signs on all the underpasses to help trail users know where they are located. If something should happen, and a trail user has to call 911, knowing the location nearest to a road that crosses the trail is important. The trail user may be in a state of panic and may not have time to look on their phone map system to see their location.
Way-finding Signs
The next step is to get Way-finding signage distributed along the trail. Trail systems that utilize Way-finding signage are more friendly to all users whether they are local (experienced or new users), or users traveling through the area. Signs for medical services, repair services (bicycle), dining, retail, in addition to trail names and distances to other trails, cities, etc.
With the advent of ebikes, many more new trail users are out on the trails, and are not that familiar with the system nor understand where they are located.
Come join us and join our mailing list as your voice can be added to others in getting elected and appointed officials to respond. Use the form below.
Omaha Election 2025
Here is a list of candidates along with website and contact information, if available. Please use this to contact the Mayoral candidates along with you specific city council person with your concerns about the trails. Omaha Election Candidate list
Trail Counts
Trails are used for a variety of reasons. Recreation Exercise Commuting Transportation With the advent of ebikes, the number of people riding bikes on the trails has increased. The city of Omaha Planning Department, along with Council Bluffs, the PAPIO NRD, and MAPA,...
Along the W&OD Trail
The W&OD Tail is a 45 mile long tail which is actually a 100 foot wide park that is 45 miles long. It is a converted railroad line to a multi-use trail. Read it's history HERE. Along this trail there are many underpassess, overpasses, and trails, roads that...
Great American Rail Trail
The Great American Rail Trail is a Rail Trail being developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. It stretches along 3,700 miles with more than 50% being completed. It will connect the East Coast and West Coast on a Rail Trail for hikers and bikers. Right now, trail...
Way-Finding Signage
On a Trip in the DC area in July of 2024, I made a point of taking photos of Way-Finding signage I spotted along the trails. The Washington DC area, has an expansive trail system for people to use for recreation and transportation. My son and his family live in...
Meeting Recap February 11, 2025
We had a great group that turned out for our initial Safe Trails Initiative meeting.
Meetings
Checkout the Calendar for meeting schedule.
If you are a trail user, you are welcome to attend.
Join the mailing List
Get notified of future meetings and events.
Add your name to the mailing list.