Thanks, Billydon for the info. I don't know whether I was brave or just stupid and/or naive. I think it helped that I was going on these streets at the right time of day. I got to the park at about 2:30 so I wasn't dealing with a lot of traffic. Both in Omaha and Ames there are these sidewalks (like on part of Blondo near 110th on to 120th) that are double used as bike paths. Then I have no idea how to handle intersections and neither do the car drivers in relation to me. At least on the street, we all have the same rules.
I want to go back over that bridge and do some looking around when I don't feel pressed for time. (I wasn't sure how long it would take me from there to my destination)