Date:

April 2, 2009

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mike Heyl, Health Department, 441-3889

Ken Smith, Parking Manager, 441-6097

Mayor Chris Beutler today cut the ribbon for the City's first bike corral, a secure long-term parking facility, in downtown Lincoln. The corral is on the 12th Street side of Center Park Garage and has room for more than 40 bicycles. The need for such a facility was identified by a 2004 survey conducted by the Multi-Modal Transportation Task Force.

"Residents indicated they would be more likely to bike to work if they could lock up their bikes in a secure place close to work and out of the weather," Mayor Beutler said. "Encouraging more people to bike instead of drive promotes a healthier, less congested and cleaner city. I want to thank the public and private interests that worked together to introduce this new concept to the community."

The project was an effort of the Great Plains Trails Network (GPTN) and the City departments of Planning, Public Works, Health, and Urban Development. A portion of the funding was provided as a result of a supplemental environmental project with NEBCO, Inc. The corral makes use of space in the garage that was otherwise unusable. A small monthly fee will be charged for bike parking. There will be no charge for those who currently pay for monthly vehicle parking and choose to ride a bike periodically.

The Mayor also announced upcoming events to promote bicycling, physical activity and cleaner air:

• "Green Wheels Week" April 20 through 24 is sponsored by the Nebraska League of Conservation Voters as part of its Earth Week observance. (Contact Julie Diegel, 613-8519)
• April 22 is the Nebraska Safe Routes Spring Bike and Walk to School Day. (Contact Kelly Morgan, 476-7331)
• Local Kiwanis Clubs are sponsoring 20 Bike Rodeos in May at elementary schools across the City. (Contact Loren Isom, 438-0459)
• May 11 through 15 is National Bike to Work Week, and Friday, May 15 is National Bike to Work Day. (Contact Mike Heyl, 441-3889)
• Lincoln's first Biketacular event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at McPhee Elementary School. (Contact Jon Carlson, 441-7224)
• Sunday June 28 is the sixth annual "Trail Trek" celebration of Lincoln's trail system led by GPTN and the Lincoln Journal Star. (Contact Jim Carveth, 488-2101)