GO Bike Buffalo

How NYSDOT Can Improve its Complete Streets Outreach

Tivona — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:55:24 +0000

Written by Nadine Lemmon

NYSDOT’s new Complete Streets website.

While the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is not required to lead the local implementation of the State’s Complete Streets Act, municipal leaders, advocates and engineers are looking to the agency for the tools required to plan and execute Complete Streets initiatives. NYSDOT’s new Complete Streets website, however, provides little new information, or inspiration, for those seeking guidance.

The good news is that the Department is seeking feedback on how it can better assist local governments and others with Complete Streets. Here are Tri-State’s suggestions:

1. Revisit Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning. It is time for a comprehensive update to the State’s planning process for pedestrian and bicycling facilities. This should include sprucing up, expanding and ultimately adopting the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and creating a comprehensive Statewide Capital Plan for pedestrian and bicycling projects. Both of these items are important tools that could help convince our state and federal representatives to support implementation of these types of projects.

The website should also further highlight the planning resources that already exist. The “Planning” section of the website links only to a two-page 2010 NYSDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Policy, and leaves out a 1997 pedestrian and bicycling plan and an associated 2005 white paper. Additionally, many regions have already developed their own Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans — links to those plans on this site would be helpful.

2. Update Pedestrian and Bicycle Design Guidelines. There has been a revolution in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure design over the last few years. In addition to linking to the National Association of City Transportation Officials design guide for bicycles, NYSDOT should update their own guidelines: The “Designing” page of their website provides technical guidelines for Complete Streets elements like sidewalks and bicycle lanes, but it links to an outdated NYS Highway Design Manual (HDM), sections of which haven’t been updated since the late 1990′s.

3. Commit to Active Transportation by Funding It. More than a quarter of traffic fatalities are pedestrians and bicyclists, but only two percent of New York’s transportation dollars go to pedestrian and bicycle projects. New York must establish a Fair Share for Safety policy that apportions Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds according to need and create a dedicated line for pedestrian and bicycling investments in NYSDOT’s budget.

The website could also think more innovatively about funding. While the “Funding” page contains links to the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and the Transportation Alternatives Program, there is no link to the recently-announced Federal Transportation Enhancements Funding that’s currently available, and no mention of the possibility that NYSDOT might actually put their own money on the table, or shift some existing, and flexible, federal resources to projects that support walking and biking.

4. Look At What Your Neighbors Have Done. NYSDOT should consider looking into how other state DOTs share Complete Streets information. For example, both New Jersey and Massachusetts conducted Complete Streets training workshops for engineers, advocates and public works employees.

Bike to School Day In Pictures

Tivona — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:37:43 +0000

Bike to School Day was a huge success here in Buffalo! We had over 400 participants in 16 schools. Check out some photos from three of the events below… click on the thumbnails to take a better look:

PS 32 Bennett Park Montessori

PS 54: Dr. Geo Blackman School of Excellence ECC

PS 74: Hamlin Park School

CycloFemme CANCELED

Tivona — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:31:05 +0000

On account of the spring time hail, we will be canceling CycloFemme. Sorry for the late notice and we’re bummed the weather didn’t hold out … →

Shop CLOSED This Sunday the 12th!

Tivona — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:41:56 +0000

Hello All GObikers. Because of the glorious international women’s cycling day celebration (ride and picnic here in Buffalo) this Sunday the 12th, we will be closing the GObike workshop for the day.

Check out details for the ride here and consider joining us! In the event of heavy rain we will cancel the event and the shop will remain closed.

Thanks for your continued support and flexibility!

Bike to a Bisons Game!

Tivona — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:28:00 +0000

Written by: Chris Colletti, Buffalo Bisons

In celebration of May being National Bike Month the Bisons have teamed up with GO Bike Buffalo, Flying Bison Brewery and Ulrich’s Tavern for “Bike to the Bisons Game” on Saturday May 18th when the Bisons will take on the Charlotte Knights (first pitch at 7:05pm).

The event will start at Ulrich’s Tavern (674 Ellicott St.) at 4:30pm with discounted food and beverage as well as free pop for those under 21 or prefer a soft drink. From there riders will continue to Coca-Cola Field down Washington Street and head to the tent area in right field where there will be free valet bike parking for riders. Also with your valet pass, enjoy your first Flying Bison Rusty Chain for free.

Along with the pregame festivities, GObike’s Executive Director Justin Booth will throw out the game’s first pitch.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $10 for a game ticket, valet parking pass, and one (1) Flying Bison Rusty Chain for GO Bike members and $12 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased through contacting Buffalo Bisons Account Executive Robert Kates at (716)846-2032, GO Bike Buffalo Community Workshop at (716) 320-0193, or Flying Bison Brewery at (716) 873-1557.

All proceeds go to benefit GO Bike Buffalo in support for their commitment to the proliferation of healthy, environmentally sustainable, and community friendly transportation.

For more info on the Buffalo Bisons, please visit their website.

Bike to School Day was a Huge Success!

Henry — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:32:11 +0000

With over 16 schools participating, Buffalo had more schools, students and volunteers than any other city in New York State for National Bike to School Day! (We were #1 in the nation for a while, too!)

At PS 32 Bennett Park Montessori, students in the Recycle-a-Bicycle program refurbished 22 bikes that were given away this morning. Students also received helmets and bike lights.

Thanks to Ms. Beverly, our Safe Routes to School coordinator, and Tivona, our Community Outreach Coordinator, for all of the work they did to get this exciting day of biking to school happening all over the city.

Now more than ever do we need to shift our thinking about how we get around, and now a younger generation is learning about and experiencing the joys of two-wheeled, people-powered transportation. GO Buffalo, GObike!

Click Here for Channel 4′s coverage of Bike to School Day in Buffalo.

Mother’s Day Weekend Bike Month Celebrations

Tivona — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:37 +0000

May is National Bike Month, and it has gotten off to quite a rousing start. With a successful GObike member party and well-attended Bike to School Day under our belt, I’d say Buffalo cyclists are enjoying themselves… and we are just getting started!

This coming weekend kicks off a slew of events. Most pressing, however, are the festivities this Saturday and Sunday: Mobile Repair at the Bidwell Farmers’ Market, Dinner & Bikes, and CycloFemme. This Saturday the 11^th kicks off the Bidwell Farmers’ Market season and we will be there with bells on offering minor bicycle repairs. This is the perfect opportunity for bicycle commuters to get their bike all tuned up and ready to go for the upcoming Bike to Work Week.

Later that evening we’re teaming up with Massachusetts Ave. Project and Burning Books to host the dynamic traveling trio that is Dinner & Bikes. Authors & documentarian Elly Blue and Joe Biel along with gourmet vegan chef Josh Ploeg are sure to put on one entertaining evening full of bicycle advocacy, activism, inspiration, and delicious vegan and gluten free food. There is limited seating available, so secure your spot today! Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 children with family packages available.

Still can’t get enough? Join us as we celebrate CycloFemme on Sunday the 12^th. Started by Girl Bike Love in Boulder, CO CycloFemme is the international women’s cycling day. We are proud to be one of the 200 international rides taking place in all shapes and sizes; ours will be a leisurely ride around Delaware Park, along the Scajaquada Pathway for a picnic at Squaw Island. This ride is “BYOEverything”, meet at the GObike shop (98 Colvin Ave) at 11am and we’ll head out from there. Families and inexperienced riders are encouraged to attend! Registration is free and we are offering discounted GObike memberships to those who want them. In the case of rain we will not ride- check the website and Facebook for those updates.

But that’s not all! This weekend feeds right into Bike to Work Week and then to People Powered Movement at Main (St)udios. Stay tuned for more info on those events or check out our website for the latest information.

May, 2013: Jamie Markley

Tivona — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:17:57 +0000

The Cyclist?

Hello, I’m Jamie Markley. I’m going to celebrate the 17^th anniversary of my 25^th birthday this August and also the 2 year anniversary of the last time I pumped gas this May.

I’ve been a resident of Buffalo since 1996 & a full time cyclist since 2010. My ‘adult’ job is downtown at Installs, Inc as job coach (I’m the guy who has to listen to calls “for training purposes.”)

My ‘fun’ job is a bartender at Rohall’s Corner on Amherst St in Blackrock. I currently live on Ashland Ave on the Westside, but have lived in almost every part of Buffalo except South Buffalo.

The Bicycle?

My primary ride is a Nekkid 2 single speed I got from Nashbar. I added some deep V rims to it for support on the unforgiving roads that Buffalo has graced us with. The rims & bike are both stark white. The best feature for me is the bullhorn handlebars & English brakes. I have a bell & lights on it for safety & cannot remember the last time I didn’t wear a helmet riding. It also features a flip-flop hub that allows it to switch from freewheel to fixed gear.

Commute?

I ride my bike year round for work & errands. Riding all four seasons is great for the simple purpose of how differently you have to prep for each. I do not put on chains or studded tires for the winter,just tons of clothes. I find the thin road slicks will cut through the snow & ice for a steady ride.

I love the summertime for the simple fact that I can plan rides for pleasure & not for a purpose of having to be somewhere.

I organized a club ride from Rohall’s Corner every Thursday night at 6:15pm. We ride the Riverwalk either north to Ellicott Island Park in Tonawanda or south to Swannie House and Gene McCarthy’s. We have been known to rip off 40 miles just because it is summer. I just began to ride with the ‘new’ Angry Bees on Wednesday, they meet at Allentown and again it’s great club riding. I’ll be doing the Ride for Roswell for the second time this year.

My bike & I also went on vacation to Seattle this year for Ambrosia & Dickie’s wedding. Talk about different! Hills, hills & more hills. I was able to squeeze in great 15 mile ride out to Discovery Park and back. And was able to ride around the city twice. Once up to the top of the city by Seattle University and once to Pike’s Market for some shopping.

My Other Bike is..

a Jamis Aurora touring and a nice 1970’s Raleigh Sprite 27 10 speed. I do utilize the buses when the weather is too much for biking. The Jamis I bought from Campus Wheelworks & comes in handy when I go places that require more than a single gear. The Raleigh was gift from Gary, a regular at Rohall’s and rides smooth like an old steel bike should & is great for club rides.

Bicycling in Buffalo?

I could spend the time telling you about how bike unfriendly Buffalo is, but anyone reading this is already well aware of that.

The thing I truly love about cycling is the people I meet & ride with. I have made friends who I know I will keep for life. Cyclists are the nicest, kindest people in the world. They don’t judge you by what you ride, but by the fact that you do ride.

I could barely do 8 miles to work & back when I first started, and was never called out for being ‘soft’ or ‘weak’ by other cyclist, but was encouraged to keep trying. GOBike was a godsend to me when I first started riding & Adam was patient enough to spend time with me to get me up to speed on basic mechanics. Cycling builds strong legs. But its true gift is the inner strength it gives with every stroke of the pedal. It has made me skinny in the waist but stronger in the mind and soul.

Scajaquada Expressway Downgrade Letter from GObike Buffalo

Tivona — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:17:30 +0000

You may remember a few weeks ago when the WNY Environmental Alliance Transportation Working Group put out an official letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to urge them to further downgrade Rte. 198 in order to make it a road user friendly for not only automobiles but bicyclists and pedestrians as well. They were suggesting a downgrade that would restore the expressway to better reflect the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted.

GObike Buffalo put out our own letter of displeasure, with perhaps some stronger language to the NYDOT.

Read the letter here.

GObike Named Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business

GO Bike — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:48:01 +0000

As businesses race to retrofit their buildings, streamline waste policies, and purchase more and more recycling bins, some companies have already targeted a free and easy way to be more environmentally conscious: bicycling.

On this Earth Day, the League of American Bicyclists recognized GObike Buffalo with a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award for leading America toward a greener future.

“More and more business leaders are realizing that bicycling is a simple and cost-effective way to move toward a more productive company,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “Promoting healthy transportation is increasingly attractive to employers and prospective employees – and it’s moving America toward a more sustainable future.”

GObike encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as sheltered, secure bicycle parking and incentives such as Bicycle Benefits discounts at local restaurants and cultural destinations.

“We are honored to receive a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Business award from the League of American Bicyclists,” said Justin Booth, Director of GObike Buffalo. “When working to make Buffalo a hub of bicycling and active transportation, it’s important that we reflect the change we want to make in our own workplaces. The Silver level is a great starting point, and we look forward to moving towards platinum in the coming years!”