Lincoln, Nebraska — That’s Right — Is Planning a Protected Bike Lane

The bikeway would be a section of the roadway, located between the sidewalk and parked cars or shared traffic lanes, separated from vehicles by a raised median containing landscaping, with a single lane going each direction within the bikeway. The bikeway will be painted bright green to provide visual cues to both bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.

The protected bikeway concept was approved as part of the Downtown Master Plan Update in 2012. The design still needs to be finalized, and needs city council approval. If all goes according to plan, construction could begin this fall.

Most of the community response for the plan appears to be positive, though there is some divergence of opinion, among both cyclists and the general public. Experience in other cities seems to bear out safety improvements (Dedicated Bike Lanes Can Cut Cycling Injuries in Half, The Debate About Bike Infrastructure Has Been Settled) and positive economic impacts (NYC Study Finds Protected Bicycle Lanes Boost Local Business, Bike Lanes Offer Growth to Businesses, Safety & Savings to Consumers).