We are deeply disappointed in the removal of bike parking in Benson. The bike corral served up to 12 people on bikes but we have traded that for parking for one vehicle. ModeShift Omaha advocates for moving away from a car-only focus on transportation and this is one more example where the city has made the choice to focus exclusively on vehicles.
It is not the issue of one bike corral or of one parking spot, it is a statement of values by the city. This is a signal to people who bike, people who ride the bus, and people who walk, that the city does not prioritize your needs.
We are also frustrated by the lack of government transparency. There was no communication between the city and the community, the business owner, or the Benson Business District.
We look forward to working with the city on replacing this bike parking and are eager to find additional locations around the city where the public realm can be better used by people, not only people in cars.