UPDATE: A video has been posted by Omaha.net. See it embedded above.
Omaha, Neb., gets its share of snow. Unlike many other places, the city plows its trail network to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians can get where they need to go after a storm. Despite this effort, there are blockages that occur when a plow reaches a place it cannot clear, or drifting snow covers a section of the trail. Via the RTC Blogroll comes word from Omaha Bikes of the Guerrilla Trail Crew, a group of Omaha cyclists that has decided to take snow removal into its own hands. The group's members mean that literally - they bring shovels and ride the Keystone Trail, clearing blocked sections.
Although not an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the group is looking for volunteers with shovels or snowblowers to help them remove the white stuff after Mother Nature's next winter storm. One of the Guerrilla Trail Crew's participants encourages those who are interested to take the initiative themselves: "Since there is no official 'organizer' or 'person in charge,' anyone is welcome to attack an area of trail or organize their own guerilla army. If you hear of an area that needs [to be] addressed and you have time," he wrote, "have at it."
Excellent story! Thanks for the coverage and for supporting positive change in our region.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy The Duke Ellington Building 2121 Ward Ct., NW 5th Floor Washington, DC 20037 +1-202-331-9696