If you are interested in becoming an active member of the City of Buffalo’s new Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board, contact the Buffalo Common Council to express your interest. The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board was formed out of the need to involve citizens in the city’s transportation decisions. Iinstitutionalization of bicycle and pedestrian issues into the consciousness of the public and public officials will lead to an increased vibrancy on our streets, making them more inviting, and connecting people to their destinations in a way that can restore a sense of place and improve quality of life.
The Advisory Board, composed of concerned and informed City of Buffalo residents, is charged with finding cooperative solutions for various issues experienced by cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities. The Board will consist of fifteen members appointed by the Buffalo Common Council eleven of which will be voting members.
By ordinance, at least five members will be active cyclists, and at least four members will be active pedestrians. One member will be a member of the Disability Advisory Council and one member will be employed by the Department of Public Works. The four non-voting members appointed by the Buffalo Common Council and approved by the Mayor and will include a representative from the Buffalo Common Council, the Buffalo Police Department, the Traffic Engineer and the Office of Strategic Planning. Advisory Board duties include:
- Review ongoing and future City of Buffalo projects that affect cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities;
- Ensure that all City of Buffalo projects accommodate and encourage safe and legal travel by cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities;
- Advise various City of Buffalo departments including but not limited to the Department of Public Works, the Office of Strategic Planning, the Buffalo Police Department and the Buffalo Common Council on this issue;
- Advocate for the implementation of City of Buffalo plans, that include recommendations for bicycle and pedestrian travel, as well as travel for persons with disabilities;
- Formulate and provide to the Department of Public Works, a plan for annual snow preparation specifically concerning cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities; and,
- Make quarterly reports to the Buffalo Common Council regarding transportation projects, and the affects of such projects on cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities;
The committee will decide how often they will meet. Letters expressing your interest should be addressed to the City Council Office, 1413 City Hall, Buffalo NY 14202. A copy should also be sent to your appropriate City Councilmember.