April 2005; Volume 5, Issue 2

Ride Your Bike to Work Day

People all over the United States are turning in their keys to participate in Ride Your Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 19. To support this alternate mode of transportation give your car a break and ride your bike to work that day. Republic Parking System, who is sponsoring this event, will give transient customers one FREE day of parking to be used on your next visit, or $5 off your next bill for those who park on a monthly basis. Simply check in with the cashier at any garage, show your bike and you will receive a coupon.

Four Reasons to Ride a Bike

1. You'll Save Money.

The estimates below clearly show the difference in cost of maintaining a car versus a bike.

Estimated annual car cost:

Gas at $20/wk: $1,100

Insurance: $600/year

Oil/filter changes: $150

Various maintenance: $250

Total: $2100

Estimated annual bike cost:

Tires: $25 to $30

Tune-up: $60

Tubes (5/yr): $20

Maintenance supplies (grease, cleaner, oil): $15

Total: $215

2. It's Healthy.

According to Cycling and Health, a 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year. Also, cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

3. It's Good for the Environment.

Cycling Reduces the amount of vehicle emissions that pollute the air.

Motor vehicle emissions represent 31% of total carbon dioxide, 81% of carbon monoxide and 49% of nitrogen oxides released in the US (The Green Commuter, A Publication of the Clean Air Council)

A short, four mile round trip by bicycle keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe. (WorldWatch Institute)

4. It's Fun and Reduces Stress.

Get the whole family involved! It's a great way to spend time together and recent studies show that moderate exercise reduces levels of depression and stress, improves mood and raises self-esteem.

A Message From the Parking Manager

The Lincoln Parking System has added 451 additional monthly customers since May 2004. New technology has allowed management to accurately track transient and monthly customers to determine utilization in each facility. Waiting lists for all facilities have declined or have been eliminated. We are taking many steps to improve your parking experience and appreciate your business!

Get to Know Your Cashier

Betty Brown

Que Place Garage, 11^th and 'Q' Streets

How long have you worked here?

It will be four years in August.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?

Hawaii.

What are your hobbies?

Sewing, quilting, fishing and baking.

What's the best part of your job?

I love working with people.

What is your favorite sport?

Nebraska Volleyball.

Do you have any pets?

Two cats and a dog.

If you have any questions or opinions about the City's public parking facilities, use the "Your Voice" online form to make sure your voice is heard.

Your Voice

We appreciate all feedback. We want to hear from you!

New Faces:

Interview With Josh Kehn

"I never thought much about the parking process until I started working here. There's a lot involved, especially in regard to maintenance issues."

Josh Kehn began working for the City parking system as a night manager in March. He started his training by shadowing an experienced manager for a couple of weeks and is now working on his own, focusing much of his effort on maintenance issues. He does this by walking through garages to ensure they are clean and by identifying any problem areas. He also deals with afler hours equipment repair and managing cashiers.

Josh, who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in business management, has learned a lot about the parking industry in the short time he has been a manager.

"I never thought much about the parking process until I started working here. There's a lot involved, especially in regard to maintenance issues," Kehn said.

He is enjoying the fast paced environment of the position and looks forward to the excitement of the Husker football season when it will be especially busy. Josh, who previously worked at Wells Fargo in security, is also looking forward to facing some new challenges and gaining business experience.

"This is a great opportunity for me to gain management experience. I want to learn as much as I possibly can," Kehn said.

Joe McKibbon, operations manager for Republic Parking System, is glad to have Josh as part of the team and feels his skills will benefit night operations.

"Josh is a leader who brings tremendous confidence and energy to our evening staff," McKibbon said.

When Josh is not on the clock he enjoys watching sports, fishing, hunting and spending time with his friends. He is also considering taking some classes to work toward a master's degree in business.

We're Listening: Addressing your concerns

Recently we have been surveying our customers to get your feedback on how we are doing. Thank you to all who have participated! The following are just a few of the comments we have received. If you have any additional comments or suggestions please call the parking office at 441-6472 or visit the Your Voice page.

The attendants at Que Place are the friendliest I have ever come across. I leave at various times and on various days and they are all great.

I would like to see the cashiers a bit more knowledgeable about the problems that arise and how to fix them, instead of having to go down to the actual office to solve the problems.

I am very pleased with Center Park. The parking attendants are very friendly and quick in getting the amount due. I park there everyday and would not choose anywhere else unless the lots were full. I use the stairs for exercise, they are very clean.

Make separate lanes for monthly and regular parking exits. Allow motorcycle parking for monthly users.

Baseball Parking

The smell of hotdogs lingers in the air, letting us know that baseball season is here. If you're going to watch a Saltdog or Nebraska baseball game, remember Haymarket Garage parking is only $2. This offer is good Monday thru Friday after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.