Cyclists to get royal treatment at Offutt air show Published May 29, 2014 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Regardless of how much time is spent on planning an event expected to draw nearly 100,000 people each day, there's a good chance there will still be some traffic issues. However, the organizers of this year's Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, scheduled for July 19 - 20, may have found a way to avoid those possible traffic issues - cycling. For the first time ever this year's open house will feature exclusive bike paths from the local community directly to the air show. "We think this is a great addition to our air show," said Maj. Brian Burger, air show director. "While we're very confident in our traffic plan with use of off-base bussing and multiple parking lots, if folks want to ride their bikes to the show they're going to have a smooth path for sure." This new addition to the air show came about after Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders, an avid cyclist herself, suggested it to the air show office. She asked what the possibilities would be to include a bike lane and the team took the idea back to their committee. "We had to work out a few issues initially and figure out the best path, but everyone was on board with it," Burger said. "I think it's something that will continue to grow." Not only will cyclists have an easy path to the base and the air show, but they'll receive valet parking just 250 feet from the flightline. "You couldn't ask for a better setup," Burger said. "They'll literally drop their bike off and be within a few steps of the action." For this new initiative, the base has also teamed up with Live Well Omaha to provide helmets to those cyclists that are in need as they enter the gates to the base. "As with the air show, safety is our top priority with our cyclists," Burger said. "We've teamed with Live Well Omaha and they'll be providing helmet free of charge to any cyclists that show up without one." "Live Well Omaha is also providing bike safety instruction to those who arrive on bike," said Julie Harris, an active living manager with Live Well Omaha. "The staff also provided guidance on how to set up the bike valet service, which is based on what Omaha Bikes provides during the College World Series." Although there is no way to predict how many cyclists will take advantage of this new program, Harris said she believes the numbers should be similar to those who take participate in the Bike to the Ballpark at the College World Series. "There will be a fair number that will ride in this first year, especially if the weather is good," she said. "There will likely be many more walking past the bike corral and saying, 'I didn't know this was an option -- I'm definitely going to do this next year.'" For more information on this new program or the air show in general, please visit their website at www.offuttairshow.com.