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.
“We Make Omaha” District Dialogs
The "We Make Omaha" planning sessions are set for this month. The goal is to help develop a master plan for Omaha that encompasses many factors, including trails. While there have been all sorts of plans developed - Active Mobility, Vision Zero, Complete Streets -...
Safe Trail Initiative Meeting July 15
Our team has been waiting for more information on the long range plan for Omaha Parks and Recreation to be revealed but have yet to receive more information. With the trail system in the Omaha area in full use, we are aware there have been some interesting questions,...
Trails for Economic Development
Without any signgeTrails are an engine for economic development to all of Nebraska and is really overlooked by our elected "leaders." Too many of the politcal class, tolerate trails as part of their park systems, and only consider them as "multi-mode trails." People...
MOPAC Gap Update
MoPac Trail Connection update - Cass County Commission The good news is that things are still progressing.However, the agenda item originally scheduled for April 22nd, has been moved to the Commissions May 6th meeting.Here is a link to the agenda page of the Cass...
Reach out to other Cities
The metro trail system extends beyond Omaha. While the Safe Trail Initiative is making some progress in convincing Omaha city leaders to add some signage along the trails, the work needs to extend beyond Omaha City Limits. If you live in any of the following cities,...
STI Meeting Recap March 13
As submitted by Vanessa Urbach, a runner on the trails.Hello all!! I wanted to share a quick update on a recent meeting I helped facilitate about trail safety— and I thought you might be interested in the discussion and the ideas that emerged. Also, a huge thank you...
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.