Is Nebraska’s infrastructure built for people—or just for cars? While the state has made progress in expanding trails and pedestrian-friendly spaces, much of its road network still prioritizes vehicle traffic over walkability and safety. Pedestrian fatalities are rising, and many streets remain hazardous for cyclists and walkers due to high speeds, inadequate crossings, and limited sidewalks.
As urban centers like Omaha and Lincoln grow, the demand for safer, more accessible streets is increasing. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in infrastructure design, stronger policies, and investments in walkable, multimodal transportation networks.
The Evolution of Nebraska’s Walkability
Nebraska’s history with walkability largely revolves around its extensive trail networks. The MoPac Trail, a 27-mile former railway corridor, connects urban and rural areas, making it one of the most significant pedestrian and cycling routes in the state. Similarly, the American Discovery Trail runs through Omaha, providing an essential connection for recreational and commuting cyclists. While these trails encourage outdoor activity, they primarily serve leisure rather than daily transportation, limiting their impact on overall walkability.
Cities like Lincoln and Omaha have made strides in integrating these trails into urban settings, but walkability remains inconsistent. Lincoln boasts a 248-mile trail network, alongside a growing number of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Omaha, while improving, still struggles with large arterial roads designed for vehicles rather than foot traffic. The Walk Score for Omaha is 47, meaning it is largely car-dependent, with only a few walkable neighborhoods.
Despite these efforts, Nebraska cities still lag behind national leaders in pedestrian infrastructure. Many suburban developments prioritize parking and vehicle access over sidewalks and crosswalks. This results in fragmented walkability, where residents rely on cars for even short trips. Improving this requires more investment in mixed-use zoning, pedestrian connectivity, and safe crossings, ensuring that walking and cycling become viable alternatives rather than just recreational activities.
The Reality for Nebraska’s Pedestrians and Cyclists
Nebraska’s road network, primarily designed for vehicle travel, poses significant risks to pedestrians and cyclists. In 2021, the state recorded 259 pedestrian-involved crashes, resulting in 27 fatalities and 230 injuries. A major contributing factor is distracted driving, with nearly 20% of all pedestrian accidents caused by drivers failing to notice crosswalk users. The increase in vehicle size, with SUVs and trucks dominating Nebraska roads, also plays a role in the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Speeding is another key issue, particularly in urban areas where posted speed limits often exceed safe pedestrian crossing speeds. Studies show that a pedestrian hit at 40 mph has a 90% chance of fatality, compared to just 10% at 20 mph. However, many high-speed roads in Nebraska intersect with pedestrian-heavy zones, leading to deadly collisions. Lowering speed limits and enforcing traffic-calming measures (such as raised crosswalks and protected intersections) could significantly improve safety.
For victims of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, legal action is often necessary to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing recovery. A Nebraska car accident lawyer can help victims understand their rights and navigate complex insurance claims, especially in cases where driver negligence or poorly designed infrastructure played a role. As pedestrian injuries continue to rise, legal professionals play a crucial role in holding negligent drivers accountable and advocating for safer streets.
The Pedestrian Safety Crisis – A Growing Concern in Nebraska
Pedestrian safety in Nebraska is an increasing concern, with data reflecting a rise in accidents involving non-motorized road users. In 2022, pedestrian fatalities increased by 9% compared to the previous year, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The majority of these incidents occurred in high-speed, multi-lane roads without adequate pedestrian crossings, highlighting the dangers of Nebraska’s car-centric infrastructure.
The most vulnerable areas include high-traffic corridors in cities like Omaha and Lincoln, where crosswalks are often far apart, forcing pedestrians to jaywalk or take longer detours. Many suburban neighborhoods also lack sidewalks, leaving pedestrians to share roads with vehicles. The Safe Routes to School program has made progress in improving pedestrian infrastructure near schools, but many neighborhoods still lack proper infrastructure for students walking or biking to class.
One of the biggest challenges is balancing pedestrian safety with vehicle efficiency. While Nebraska has begun implementing pedestrian signals, extended crosswalk times, and curb extensions, these changes remain limited to high-density areas. Expanding such improvements to suburban and rural regions—where vehicle speeds are higher and pedestrian pathways are minimal—will be crucial in reducing injuries and fatalities.
Reimagining Nebraska’s Infrastructure – Prioritizing People Over Cars
Cities across the U.S. are adopting “complete streets” policies—designing roadways that accommodate all users, not just vehicles. Nebraska has started integrating these ideas into urban planning, with Lincoln and Omaha investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure projects. However, many roads remain wide and vehicle-dominant, creating an unsafe environment for those on foot or bike. More significant commitments to street redesign are necessary to shift the focus from cars to people.
Traffic-calming strategies have proven effective in reducing pedestrian fatalities in other states, and Nebraska could benefit from similar implementations. Measures like narrowing lanes, adding pedestrian refuge islands, and using raised intersections have been shown to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. Omaha has begun installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at high-risk crossings, but these need to be expanded across more cities.
Smart traffic signals (systems that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists at intersections) could play a major role in improving Nebraska’s infrastructure. These signals, which adjust in real-time based on pedestrian movement, have been successfully used in cities like Portland and Minneapolis to decrease pedestrian wait times and increase compliance with crosswalk laws. Investing in similar technologies could create safer, more walkable communities throughout Nebraska.
Conclusion
What will it take for Nebraska to become a truly walkable and pedestrian-friendly state? The answer lies in sustained investment, innovative infrastructure, and a cultural shift toward prioritizing people over cars. By expanding comprehensive safety measures, enhancing urban trails, and reimagining road design, Nebraska can reduce pedestrian fatalities and create a safer, more connected community.
Achieving this vision requires collaboration between local governments, residents, and advocacy groups, ensuring that every street, trail, and sidewalk supports all who use them.
