Electric assisted bikes introduced to downtown Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. — It's the new way to get around downtown Lincoln.
BikeLNK, the city of Lincoln's bike sharing program, has expanded its fleet of vehicles to include electrical-assist pedal bikes, making it easier than ever to get around downtown.
Sitting at their newest home on 11th and P streets, the five new electric assist pedal bikes introduced on Monday by BikeLNK are a part of a new demo program looking to open up public transportation opportunities to more folks in Lincoln.
"What this does is it levels the playing field. It increases access to folks who are more timid about biking in general, maybe not quite in the best shape or are concerned about whether they can get somewhere in a timely manner, this levels that playing field," said City Manager for BikeLNK Jamie Granquist
Operated just like a normal bike, the new electric models give an extra bit of power to the biker and allow for an easier ride.
BikeLNK is hoping the easier to use bikes will also increase the popularity of ride sharing systems and bring new investors who focus on ride sharing bikes and scooters into Lincoln.
"Other systems nationally have seen a really big increase in their ridership after they introduce these bicycles, and we are hoping this demo opens up access to them for people, and some financial backers will want to introduce those bikes into the system," said Granquist.
The changes to the bikes are coming with some changes to city code enforcement as well.
Lincoln Police Department has started a new campaign to remind folks they should not be using bikes or scooters on sidewalks, and to let them know they will start issuing citations soon for any violations.
"We have some changes to the downtown Lincoln transportation system coming with some scooters coming late next month, early April somewhere in that time frame. Scooters are also not supposed to be on the sidewalks so we are educating everybody that is utilizing the sidewalks with their bicycles that you can't be on the sidewalk with the bikes," said Captain Don Scheinost with Lincoln Police.
While the new electrical assist pedal bikes make it easier to get around Lincoln, you will want to make sure you are following the rules.
LPD said keep them in the street and make sure you are utilizing those bike lanes.
