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 walk, run, run and ride on the trails. Really they are used for two basic reasons: 1. Recreation and 2. Transportation.
The latter is one, I feel our governmental leaders lack an appreciation for and only think the trail system is for recreation. Yes, that is a part, but there are many people that use them for transportation, commuting to and from work.
I know from personal experience, I used my bike to ride on the West Papio Trail (which I will admit, I had no clue at the time what the trail was called), to my place of work in the First National Business Park. It was a 12 mile round trip, and I did it on my trusty Trek 7100 comfort hybrid bike…a big heavy beast of a bike, with not the greatest in gearing.
When I did Digital and Inbound Marketing consulting, I would ride to clients and my office on a regular basis. I also would ride to business networking meetings. This was not recreational riding, rather just commuting and using the trails and roads for transportation by bicycle in place of using my car.
The Great American Rail Trail
This trail is 3,700 miles long, stretching coast to coast. It utilizes many former railroad trails, which are being or have been converted to multi-use trails. You can read more about this trail HERE.
In Nebraska, it enters on the east side on the Bob Kerry bridge and exits on the west in what would be the west end of the Cowboy Trail. There are several gaps in the state, the first starting in Omaha from the Baby Bob bridge to the Field Club Trail. Without any signage in Omaha, GART travelers will not have an easy time getting through the city.
Here is a look at the route through Omaha with the gaps in RED. The numbers refer to the Gap number within the GART system.
|
Existing Trail or Trail Gap Name |
Length in Neb. Along GART (miles) |
|
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge |
0.2 |
|
TRAIL GAP 51 |
“Baby Bob” Bridge Extension (Omaha) 0.1 |
|
TRAIL GAP 52 |
Burt Street Trail Extension (Omaha) 0.9 |
|
Burt Street Trail |
0.8 |
|
Turner Boulevard Trail |
2.1 |
|
TRAIL GAP 53 |
Turner Boulevard Trail Extension (Omaha) COMPLETED |
|
Field Club Trail |
1.4 |
|
South Omaha Trail |
3.7 |
|
Keystone Trail |
5.6 |
|
West Papio Trail |
5.7 |
|
Walnut Creek Lake Trail |
2.6 |
|
TRAIL GAP 54 |
Papillion to Springfield 3.5 |
|
MoPac Trail (Springfield) |
13.2 |
|
Platte River Connection (Lied Bridge) |
1.5 |
|
TRAIL GAP 55 |
MoPac Connector (South Bend to Wabash) 9.4 |
|
MoPac Trail East |
20.7 |
|
MoPac Trail West |
6.2 |
o one would even know about the GART coming through Omaha as there are no signs along this route in the city indicating this as part of the GART in Omaha. In Council Bluffs and in Lincoln, there are signs indicating you are riding on the GART.
Economic Development Along Trails
It is estimated that the GART can ANNUALLY bring an estimated $9.9 million in Gross Domestic Product boost to Nebraska. $1.3 million in new sales tax revenue, and a lot more. But the graphic is just the tip of the iceberg as a completed robust trail system will bring is more than the estimates over time. In addition, to making the area more desirable to live, work, and relocate to, while retaining population. Over time, new development will take place along the trail, just like you see when roads get expanded and developement takes place along those transportation corridors.
Just like how the Omaha Streetcar will bring economic development along its route. As that route expands north, south, and west, economic development will also expand.
All economic generators. I do think the estimates are low, as you can see from what bicycle contribute to Iowa.
The Iowa Bike Coalition study on the Economic and Health Impacts of Bicycling and Trails in Iowa
The study revealed the following about its 3,600 miles of trails in the state and the economic impact in 2024, of cycling along the trails.
- $1.4 Billion in GDP impact to Iowa
- 21,000 jobs on retail and food service
- $690 million in annual wages
- $23 million in state income taxes
- $11 Million in state sales tax revenue
Not to mention as to the health benefits for the people that regularly ride their bikes. Click the image to download a PDF of the study.
In conclusion
A robust completed trail system in Omaha and in Nebraska particularly the Great American Rail Trail, will benefit the state through the generation of economic activity and improved quality of life.
I encourage you to reach out to your elected officials encouraging them to be more proactive in trail development in your locale.