CIP budget does not include bike lane funding

OMAHA, Neb. (FOX 42 KPTM) — Tuesday, the City Council will discuss Omaha's proposed budget and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The CIP is a program that covers six years of funding and makes long term plans for money to be allocated for things such as bike lanes.

Currently there are no funds set aside to build future protected bike lanes in the city. This comes less than a week after the mayor cut the ribbon to the for the protected bike lane on Harney Street.

Sarah Johnson, cofounder of Mode Shift Omaha is one of several bicyclists who are hoping the City Council will listen to their concerns.

Sarah wants to see the CIP allocate funds to make sure the only protected bike lane can become permanent after the pilot program is complete.

She also would like to see 5 to 10 million dollars in the CIP budget for protected infrastructure so there can be a network of bike lanes throughout the city.

Sarah said she will be at the City Council meeting to voice her concerns along with several other bicyclists. If the funds do not get allocated this time around she will keep trying until funds for bike lanes can become apart of the CIP budget.

If you can not make the meeting you can also email your City Council representative to suggest an amendment to the CIP.

I reached out to some members of the City Council about the lack of funds for protected bike lanes and have not heard back from anyone at this time.