Omaha Natural Surface Trails Feasibility Study
Creating a Vision for Omaha’s Off-Road Bicycle Recreation and Connectivity
Download the 104-page study (55MB - Google Drive link) or the 15-page study presentation (4.3MB - Google Drive link)
Together with IMBA Trail Solutions, more than a dozen community organizations, government and regional agencies, and generous support from the Sherwood Foundation, we are pleased to introduce the Omaha Natural Surface Trails Feasibility Study. The purpose of the study is to identify locations for trails, bike skills development features, bike parks, and bicycle playgrounds and create a connected network of trails and bike facilities within the Omaha metro area.
The purpose of the study is to identify locations for trails, bike skills development features, bike parks, and bicycle playgrounds and create a connected network of trails and bike facilities within the Omaha metro area.
The Omaha metro area provides expansive paved trail networks, but natural surface trails are few and far between. A well-planned natural surface trail network development results in improved public health, equitable access, increased youth engagement, community building, and positive economic impacts. Natural surface singletrack trails and bike-optimized park facilities encourage access for a wide range of trail users and riders. This project seeks to identify feasible and high-priority locations for natural surface trails and bike-optimized park facilities within the parks and public spaces of Omaha. As trail networks are unavailable within the neighborhoods of North and South Omaha, this project prioritizes introducing trail and bike facilities in areas that are currently under-served in terms of access to trails and recreational amenities.
This project is guided by the following objectives:
Equity
Bring sustainable singletrack trails and bike facilities to under-served neighborhoods that lack access to nature-based recreation.
Connectivity
Increase the availability and connectivity of natural surface singletrack trails close to home by identifying new trail corridors.
Innovation
Introduce innovative and modern bike-focused amenities that provide an engaging activity for Omaha’s residents.
Health
Locate additional recreational amenities to provide more opportunities for physical activity, enhancing overall healthy living and well-being.
Engagement
Create active spaces that provide engaging activities for community-based youth programs.
Sustainability
Identify suitable terrain and landscape opportunities for resilient trail alignments.
THOR is the long-term vision and action partner for this plan. THOR will be the point of contact for communication, coordination and connection on this initiative.
