Together, We Ride 

At GObike, we believe everyone has a right to travel safely, comfortably, and efficiently, regardless of mode. Likewise, road safety is a shared responsibility.

We partner with New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee to produce content that educates everyone – people on bikes, people walking, rolling in a wheelchair, riding transit, and – especially – driving – on how to do so lawfully and confidently, so that we can all get where we’re going safely.

Check out our video series here. Roundabouts?! Riding on the right, why high speeds are deadly, behavior at intersections, and more.

Think you’ve got it all figured out? Take our quiz and see if you’re a solid road user or not. Find it and more resources at safecitybuffalo.com.

GObike’s Recycle-A-Bike program is more than just a way to give old bikes new life—it’s an exciting hands-on learning experience that empowers students with real-world skills. Through the program, participants gain confidence as they master bike mechanics, learn essential STEM concepts, and develop safe riding techniques while understanding traffic laws. By building and repairing bikes themselves, students not only strengthen their problem-solving abilities but also become self-sufficient riders ready to navigate their communities safely. It’s a fun, engaging way to combine sustainability, mobility, and education—setting students up for success on and off the road. Want to know what it could look like in your school, after school center, community center, or church? Check out the flier below, and reach out to GObike’s Education Manager Dan Clark daniel@gobikebuffalo.org. Costs are adjustable with the application of certain qualifying grants. Let’s chat!

Check out what R.A.B. looks like inside Hutch Tech High School:

Getting Started

First, you’ll need a bike.

Here’s advice on selecting a bike. You can also stop by our community workshop during open hours and see what we have in stock. 

You’ll also need some essential accessories: a lock, a bell, a set of front and rear lights, and a helmet.

Non-essential accessories that could make your ride easier include a bag of some sort to stow your air pump, multi-tool, cellphone, cash, etc., and a waterbottle and waterbottle holder.

ABC Quick Check

Always give your bicycle a once-over before you begin a ride.

• Air. Make sure tires are properly inflated (and stay that way).
• Brakes. Give them a squeeze while the bike is moving to ensure they’re not too loose and that you can stop the bike quickly, nor too tight, and rubbing against the rim.
• Chain/Crank. The chain should be taught, lubricated, and able to change gears without any trouble. The crank should rotate smoothly all the way around. Give the crank arms (where the pedals attach to the bike) a push and pull toward and away from the bike. They shouldn’t be loose whatsoever.
• Quick. Check any quick release levers to make sure they’re tight and pointed in the direction of the frame (not pointed forward or downward).
• Check. Look over the entire bike and make sure that nothing is loose, broken, or out of place.

Bike Theft Prevention

When you get a new bike, register it on Bike Index. It’ll be handy to have a photograph and your serial number handy in case of theft.

If you do experience theft, here’s what to do:

1. File a police report!
2. List your bike as stolen on Bike Index. It works best if you have your serial number, so be sure to write it down when you get your bike. Some local shops will keep a record of the serial number for you. Check with the shop where you bought your bike to see if they have a record of it.
3. Post your bike on Facebook (Buffalo Stolen Bikes). You can also print flyers about the stolen bike and take them to local bike shops.
4. Check Craigslist and eBay often to see if your bike shows up there. You may want to check listings for nearby cities, such as Toronto and Rochester.
5. If your bike was insured, contact your insurance company and file a claim.