Heartland B-cycle experienced record ridership during the 2015 College World Series, continuing a trend of record ridership during the CWS. From June 12th through June 24th, 1459 trips were taken by B-cycles throughout the Metro area for an average of 112 trips per day. That is more trips than were taken in all of 2011 or 2012. More trips were taken in the 13 day period than any month in the program's history except for May of 2015. With this increased ridership Heartland B-cycle set new records for:
Best day ever: 189 trips on Saturday 6/13
Best weekday ever: 141 trips on Wednesday 6/17
Best weekend ever: 345 trips taken Saturday 6/12 – Sunday 6/13
Best three day period: 415 trips taken Friday 6/19 through Sunday 6/21
Most days in a row over 100 trips: 5 days from 6/19 through 6/23.
“The College World Series always gets the best out of our bike sharing program,” said Ben Turner, Heartland B-cycle Program Director. “Between visitors seeking an exciting way to see Omaha, and locals looking for a way to beat traffic, people turn to bike sharing during the CWS. Even with our record ridership we have capacity to grow and serve even more people in the months and years to come!”
Additionally, dozens of people tried out bike sharing for the first time by parking at Midtown Crossing, picking up free passes, and riding to College World Series games.
“We believe programs like the partnership with Midtown Crossing are vital to encouraging a park-once culture in Omaha,” said Turner. "Parking at Midtown Crossing and riding to the games is a great way for people to enjoy all Midtown Crossing has to offer and enjoy physical activity, all while saving time and parking headaches.”
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Heartland B-cycle, a program of Live Well Omaha, is the Omaha metro areas bike sharing system with 31 stations and 152 bikes throughout Omaha and Council Bluffs. The iconic blue bikes feature lights, a built-in bike lock, and a handlebar basket to carry riders' belongings. For more information, visit http://heartland.bcycle.com/ Heartland B-cycle has received funding from: Nebraska Environmental Trust; Peter Kiewit Foundation; Sherwood Foundation; Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska; Iowa West Foundation; CHI Health; The Wellmark Foundation; Union Pacific; University of Nebraska, Omaha; National Park Service: Lewis & Clark Historic Trails and RTCA; Back to the River, LLC; Community Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW), PayPal; and ConAgra Foods.