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Pedestrian and biker safety groups push for more bike lanes in Buffalo

Posted at 11:59 PM, Jun 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-18 23:59:35-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A group that supports bicyclists says a deadly crash last weekend on Bailey Avenue is not an isolated incident. Biker safety groups are pushing for more bike lanes as a way to create safer roads.

Justin Booth is the Executive Director of GObike Buffalo, and sits on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. He said the city needs more bike lanes. He recently called for the city to put a lane on Carolina Street when it was being repaved.

“We are not doing enough in terms of investing in making our streets safe, just through some paint and some basic infrastructure," Booth said.

The Department of Public Works is involved with the process of adding bike lanes.

"DPW has a representative attending all Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meetings so that we are constantly listening and communicating with the bicycle and pedestrian community," said DPW Commissioner Michael Finn.

George Johnson is the president of the East Side Bike Club, and also sits on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. He said a lack of bike lanes on the east side has led to volunteer's stepping up, and painting stripes on their own in some areas.

Here is a map of bike lanes in the city, according to the city's open data site.

Johnson believes the intersection of Delavan and Bailey Avenues is one of the most dangerous for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Booth said more than 160 people, both pedestrians and cyclists have been hit by a car on Bailey Avenue in the last five years. The Department of Public Works said the city and other groups are studying improvements to Bailey Avenue, and findings should be released this summer.

The department also said the first phase of the 2016 master bike plan for the city, the cycle track on Niagara Street, will be complete in 2020.