Bikes mean business in Buffalo

On every corner of Buffalo you’ll probably find a bike. 

Bicycling is a growing health and environmental trend. A trend Ethan Johnson knows well. Johnson owns Campus Wheelworks Bike Shop on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. Every year he said he sees new record breaking customer numbers coming in for equipment and services. 

“There are a lot of cyclists that you know choose to ride a bike rather than drive a car. You know that can free up a lot of your income to use for other things,” Johnson said. 

Income that’s keeping a lot of businesses open. According to the League of American Bicyclists, each year recreational bicyclists spend roughly $47,000,000 nationwide. Most o the money, spent on things like meals, lodging and entertainment. One of the reasons Buffalo is becoming a more bike friendly city. 

The Bicycling fever is now spreading into the suburbs. IN Clarence leaders applied for state grants to build bike lanes along Main Street. Bike Advocate Melany Arrison said typically real estate prices sky rocket in areas where there are bike lanes and paths. 

“It is a very low cost reasonable thing to do. That would make it so people won’t have to pollute the environment,” Arrison said. 

Less driving means less maintenance costs for roads and more money saved for individuals. On top of that more physical activity means healthier people. 

In just a few weeks, the Skyway will be wide open for hundreds of bicyclists. They will be taking part in "The Big Buffalo Skyride." 

The Skyride is May 20th and is presented by GOBike Buffalo.