Senator Kavanaugh urges $250,000 grant program to expand bike share across Nebraska

Senator Kavanaugh introduced LB 23, a bill directing the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to establish a grant program for nonprofit organizations that operate bike‑share systems and stating legislative intent to appropriate $250,000 for the program.

Supporters told the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee that bike‑share programs in Omaha, Lincoln and smaller communities provide affordable first‑ and last‑mile connections, spur economic activity and improve access for low‑income residents. Benjamin Boltz, CEO of RomeShare, testified that RomeShare operates Heartland Bikeshare in Omaha, Bike Link in Lincoln and Valentine Bikeshare and that the organization has grown since 2018. “Bike share’s evolved from this, you know, fun activity … to become a form of public transportation,” Boltz said, arguing that the systems require diverse funding sources because federal classifications limit direct access to some transit funds.

Boltz provided program figures during questioning: he said RomeShare’s annual operating budget is “just under $2,000,000,” listed Bike Link at about $312,000 and Valentine around $12,000, and said system‑generated revenue typically covers roughly 10–20% of operating costs. He described a reduced‑cost membership that offers annual passes for $5 to serve underserved riders and reported more than 100,000 trips annually across programs. City staff from Omaha and Lincoln described local partnerships in which municipalities own some equipment or provide parking user‑fee support while nonprofits operate services.

Advocacy organizations and users — including Bike Walk Nebraska, the American Planning Association Nebraska chapter, AARP Nebraska, University of Nebraska Omaha student government and individual riders — urged committee members to advance the bill, citing benefits for health, tourism, recruitment and retention of young professionals. The committee clerk recorded that LB 23 had 40 proponents, four opponents and one neutral letter on file.

The bill does not obligate the state to cover more than the $250,000 appropriation in the draft; sponsors and supporters said the funding is intended to leverage local contributions and existing partnerships. Senator Kavanaugh said he would welcome amendments to spread funds geographically if the committee desires.

The hearing closed with no in‑room opponents. The bill will remain before the committee for further consideration and any potential amendment or vote.