Grand Island Non-Motorized Transport Subcommittee

The Grand Island Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GIAMPO) Non-motorized Transportation Subcommittee is a collection of city officials, developers, educators, nonprofit leaders, and community members passionate about improving non-motorized transportation options for residents of Grand Island. The group meets quarterly to receive updates on city projects and discuss future opportunities.

In promoting non-motorized transportation we do not seek to replace all motorized transportation, rather we hope to harness the benefits to health, well-being, economic stimulation, and family budgets it can bring. For children under 16 and anyone without a drivers license, biking and walking are the primary means of independent movement. Grand Island lacks the density necessary for large investments in transit like a comprehensive bus system, meaning our bike and pedestrian infrastructure has to meet the needs this would otherwise address. Investments though would benefit any and all community members since sidewalks and bike paths could be utilized by anyone in the community. Moving ones self by walking a dog or biking to and from school is exercise which improves physical and mental well-being. Having a kid who can get to and from school or a summer job independently frees up time for parents who would otherwise have to adjust to accommodate their child. Moreover, between expenses like insurance, maintenance, and gas, car ownership can be expensive and investments should be made in promoting alternative options for those who by choice or circumstance do not have a vehicle they can use.

Our efforts join others by local entities like the Noon Rotary Club, Grand Island Public Schools, Central Community College, and others who are actively working to enable and promote biking for students of all ages. It also supports efforts already undertaken by the city, including the recent completion of an underpass on Highway 281 connecting the trail next to the Stuhr Museum with the West side of the highway.

We believe more can and should be done to support the build out of bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the city but need the resources to do so. Beyond providing bikes, it is important to provide safe places to bike that connect to important buildings and amenities in our community like schools, parks, and more. 

• We are specifically looking to fund:
  • Signs to mark on-street bike routes to increase safety.
  • Paint for marking bike lanes and highlighting cross walks along the existing routes.
  • Updating the Grand Island Recreational Trails brochures to reflect the completion of new trail segments.

To be in accordance with state and local statute, Conservation Nebraska, a registered 501c3 active across the state, is collecting the funds donated in our name and will then disperse the funds using the proper channels. ALL FUNDS COLLECTED WILL BE USED AT THE DISCRETION OF GIAMPO NONMOTORIZED SUBCOMMITTEE. CONSERVATION NEBRASKA WILL RECEIVE NO DONATIONS, COMPENSATION, NOR FEES FOR BEING THE FISCAL AGENT.