Heartland B-cycle is a program of Live Well Omaha. It is similar to what we have n San Diego, which is Decobikes. Basically, both are bike sharing systems and Omaha has 31 stations and 152 bikes throughout the city and across the Missouri River in Council Bluff, Iowa
The bikes feature lights, a built-in bike lock, and a handlebar basket to carry riders' belongings.
I was a little bit worried when I was dropped off near one of the bike racks near Heartland Park. Since I am so tall, I was wondering how adjustable these bikes really are. No worries--the seats easily slide up or down and lock into place. With a little bit of adjusting, I was all set to go.
According to the website, "Heartland B-cycle is the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the Omaha metro area. Heartland B-cycle members will be able to pick up one of the blue bikes at any B-station and drop it off at any B-station."
A lot of communities will talk the talk about getting cars off the street and fighting traffic congestion but Heartland B-cycles really does something about it. There are memberships you can join if you live there and the website makes it easy to buy gift cards and certificates for that special bike-rider in your life. This service is especially great since the Old Market area does not have a lot of parking. You can grab a bike & save yourself the trouble of hassling with a car and a meter.
Don't worry about looking grubby riding these bikes because they come with fenders, skirt guards and chain-guards to keep your clothes clean. Automatic lights help keep you safe and there are 3 speeds, which is really all you need for cruising around Omaha's gentle grades.
I had to deduct 1 YELP STAR from Heartland B-cycle since I know most people have their Smartphones they use to pay for stuff like this. But I had a actual credit card which I inserted into the machine. I made sure to bring the bike back within the hour as all I was looking to do is ride across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which meant the charge was $6. ($1 off this amount if you look for their ad in one of those Visit Omaha books.) Over an hour, then you pay an additional $4 per hour. I put the bike back into the holder and it locked into place. But no receipt? Since I had some thief get a hold of my info when I was in Seattle in February, I am keeping careful track of what is going on so I don't get ripped off again. Not paranoid--just careful.
When I got home, I went on the Heartland website and left a message for a receipt. I was emailed one that day and everything is fine. But I do think they should offer an option--like they do at the gas stations--of whether you need or want a printed receipt. Otherwise, I am a fan! read more