Omaha nonprofit program helps low-income get reduced transportation

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - If you’re out and about you may notice there are more e-bikes everywhere you go.

“What we’re finding is more and more people can now ride the e-bikes versus the classic bikes and they can tackle our hills easily or get to wherever they’re going,” Benny Foltz, ROAM Share, executive director said.

When ROAM’s bike share program first started known as ‘Heartland Bikeshare’ it was meant for fun and exercise using classic bikes.

Foltz told 6 News that changed when they introduced the first e-bikes in 2019.

“We’ve become a transportation option,” Foltz said. “Since 2019, we’ve grown year over year anywhere from 20 to 35 percent growth each year which is pretty significant.”

To keep up with its popularity, the nonprofit is promoting a program to help those who are tight on money.

“It’s through our reduced cost membership program or RCM for short,” Logan Spackman, ROAM Share programs manager said. “This program allows community members who are under resourced and can’t afford a traditional annual pass for Heartland Bike Share to access a pass for five dollars for the entire year.”

The program also allows you to ride the e-bikes anywhere you want for an hour every day at the reduced cost. Spackman said you can access the program by simply reaching out, but keep in mind you need to meet certain requirements.

“If you’re eligible for federal or state assistance programs there is a good chance you’re eligible for our RCM program,” Spackman said.

There are about 80 e-bike stations scattered throughout Omaha. Foltz believes that’s enough for anyone to get a ride.

“If they can try one trip and a little intimidated they can reach out us and we can help them with that first trip,” Foltz said.

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