Anxious about Biking to the Medical Campus? Call the Bike Sherpa

If you have anxiety about riding your bicycle to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, the Bike Sherpa might be what the doctor ordered.

“It’s a fun and easy thing,” said Thea Hassan, the campus’ transportation program manager.

With GoBike Buffalo and ReddyBike Share, the campus is looking to aid those who want to ride a bike to their job on campus, but may be nervous about doing so and unsure about routes. Hassan is working on creating a pilot “Bike Sherpa” program to help connect potential bike commuters with an experienced cyclist.

“We’d align them with an experienced bicyclist and will meet them and discuss the route, safety and accessories,” said Hassan, who prefers cycling two miles to her job on campus. “We’d meet them in the morning and help them with their ride to work, and teach them proper road and riding etiquette.”

“The best way to learn is to ride in the street, rather than sitting in a classroom,” said Hassan, who said she’s “ready to go” once the spring sunshine is here to stay.

The service, which would be available once every few weeks for a limited time, will be free and open to people who work on the Medical Campus. Information about signing up for the program will be distributed directly to organizations on campus. Employees who work on the Medical Campus can schedule Bike Sherpa assistance by emailing gobnmc@bnmc.org.

The Bike Sherpa idea comes as the number of rental bikes expands on the campus this spring and two stations will be opened. It also fits into the broader picture of how the campus is pushing healthier alternatives for transportation instead of driving, which will in turn, also help alleviate the demand for parking for 15,000 workers on campus.

“For a lot of people, there’s an opportunity,” Hassan said of bicycling to work. “It’s very rewarding to ride my bike to work. Even when maybe the snow is just a little too deep to ride, I enjoy the train or bus. I find it more relaxing. I think it’s a good thing.”