A new and exciting element at this year’s NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series (CWS) is the addition of Lime and Spin personal-use scooters throughout downtown Omaha. To ensure both rider and pedestrian safety, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) along with Park Omaha, the Omaha Police Department and College World Series of Omaha Inc. have collaborated to share the following information regarding scooter parking and use throughout the next two weeks.
This week the perimeter of MECA’s campus will register as a “no go zone” within Lime’s smart phone application. This means individuals can ride up in proximity of MECA’s campus; however once they cross an invisible barrier the scooter’s speed will not exceed five miles per hour (mph). Additionally, a rider will not be able to “end” a ride within the “no go zone”, requiring instead that an individual relocate and park a scooter outside the perimeter. It is important that riders effectively “end” a ride, as failure to do so may result in additional credit card charges.
Park Omaha is currently coordinating with Spin to establish similar “no go zone” parameters during the CWS. To alleviate confusion, Park Omaha has determined strategic locations for scooter parking – which will be clearly indicated by both signage and sidewalk chalk illustration on the street. Scooter parking will exist in the following areas:
On the northeast side of 10th Street and Capitol Avenue
On the northwest side of 12th Street and Capitol Avenue
On the northeast side of 15th Street and Mike Fahey Street
Parking near 10th Street and Capitol Ave is expected to have the largest capacity among the three locations, as a significant amount of scooter traffic is anticipated in that area. Scooter traffic is asked to utilize Capitol Avenue from 10th to 16th Streets and 16th Street from Capitol Avenue to Mike Fahey Street to approach the MECA campus, using bike lanes when available.
The “no go zone” barrier will exist in the approximate locations:
From 14th to 10th Streets on Cuming Street
From Cuming Street to Capitol Avenue on Riverfront Drive
From Riverfront Drive to 14th Street on Capitol Avenue
From Capitol Avenue to Cuming Street on 14th Street
All of these items and locations are better illustrated by the attached map, assembled by Park Omaha. As a reminder, personal use scooters are intended for street use. The Omaha Police Department will be providing extra patrols to oversee traffic control and provide enforcement of pedestrian laws. Anyone found to be in violation of local moving and/or parking ordinances maybe issued a citation. Scooter riders are also reminded to practice regular helmet use. Lime will also be staffing employees throughout the area to provide additional assistance.