Memorial Day cruise one year after tragedy in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Cruising on Memorial Day weekend is a tradition for some people in Lincoln.

After last year’s tragic crash on O Street killed two and injured more than a dozen, some people are looking for a safer way to show off their rides.

One cruise has been growing for six years.  It started when a man and a couple of friends went cruising around Branched Oak State Recreation Area.

“The first year, I think it was like five or seven cars, just close friends,” organizer Doug Petschke said.

SEE ALSO: 200 cars rev up for Lincoln cruise raising money for survivors of O Street crash

A couple years later, they combined with a jeep club.

On Sunday, members of different jeep clubs along with other cruisers came to have a good time while also remembering what Memorial Day is about.

“Well, we’re out here to show our support for our community, remember those who we have lost who have served our country,” said second-year cruiser Christine Plog.

SEE ALSO: A year after Memorial Day weekend crash, Lincoln car enthusiasts are urging safety

A key factor in the Branched Oak cruise is safety.

Petschke said he wants to make sure everyone involved has a good time. That includes people in the cars and those on the side of the road picking up candy.

He said the drivers make sure to go really slow and pay attention to their surroundings.

About 20 miles away from the lake, Lincoln Police increased patrols where cruising turned tragic last year.

A few people laid fresh flowers at the memorial near 52nd and O Streets for the two people killed during the unsanctioned cruise.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Police adding extra patrols to monitor any Memorial Day weekend cruises

But a few feet away and across the street, people were getting situated to watch the annual cruise down O Street.

Petschke said he was on O Street on Saturday evening and was happy to see more officers patrolling the street.

The Lincoln Police Department has a mobile command center set up near last year’s crash site. It is also closing down parking lots at businesses along O Street.

The Lancaster County Sherriff’s Office also has mobile cameras set up along the street, aiming to discourage people from driving recklessly.