This Tuesday, City Hall, GObike Buffalo, Mayor Byron Brown and the City of Buffalo will be hosting representatives from across New York State and the National League of American Bicyclists. The premise behind hosting the cycling experts and advocates is to increase the momentum that is already underway in Buffalo, thanks to Complete Streets, the new Bicycle Master Plan, and Buffalo’s recent designation as a Bronze level community. According to GObike Buffalo, “Buffalo placed 14th out of the 70 largest cities in the country for bike commuting seeing a 270% increase since 2000 according to the US Census.”
“As Buffalo continues to transform, with over $5 billion in new economic development activity underway, we continue to invest in lifestyle amenities, like bicycling,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the recently completed Bicycle Master Plan establishes a network of 300 miles of safe facilities. “As Buffalo continues to see the growth in cycling and its positive impact upon our local economy, health and environment, it is important for our city to continue to develop and invest in these quality of life amenities.”
The pro-bike representatives will be meeting on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at 1pm. A number of Buffalo’s bike-friendly accomplishments will be pointed out at that time. From the steps of City Hall, the city’s traffic engineer will take visiting cycling experts and enthusiasts from as far away as Albany, on a bike tour which will highlight a number of the Buffalo’s successes.
“We are excited to partner with leaders in the City of Buffalo to gauge the quality of the biking program, see infrastructure in person, and engage with local leaders,” said Bill Nesper, the League’s Vice President of Programs. “And at the end of our trip, we’ll offer an action list to help advance Buffalo’s ranking as a Bicycle Friendly Community.”
In order to capitalize on the current momentum, GObike Buffalo will be rolling out a GOsilver campaign, which the organization hopes will be an achievable goal – Platinum level Bicycle Friendly Community Award – by the year 2025.
“Our goal is to make Buffalo the best bicycling city in the country and through the tremendous support from the community, the city and businesses this will be achieved,” stated Justin Booth, Executive Director of GObike Buffalo. “As we make bicycling a safe, accessible and convenient option our Buffalo will become a better place to live, work and play.”
Visit GObikeBuffalo.org to learn more.
Lead image: Richmond Avenue bike lanes – GObike Buffalo