Buffalo Bicycle Master Plan Update

Olson, Jeff; Goff, Phil; Piper, Sam; Zeftling, Lindsay · 2016 · ROSA P / New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

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Summary

The Buffalo Bicycle Master Plan Update, finalized in January 2016, addresses the need to expand and improve bicycling infrastructure in Buffalo, New York, to transform the city into a "world-class bicycling community." Motivated by a national shift toward "complete streets" and the desire to enhance economic competitiveness, public health, and environmental sustainability, the plan aims to integrate bicyclists' needs into city projects, policies, and programs. The primary objective is to create a safe, viable, and attractive transportation mode for residents of all abilities, thereby improving quality of life and connecting key destinations where people live, learn, work, and play. The planning process was conducted by GObike Buffalo in collaboration with consultants Alta Planning + Design, Wendel Companies, and Mustard Seed, under sponsorship from NYSERDA, NYSDOT, and the City of Buffalo. The methodology combined technical analysis with extensive public engagement. Technical assessments included Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, a "BikeSpace" analysis to determine street capacity for dedicated facilities, and a review of existing plans and policies, such as the 2008 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Public involvement included three public meetings, stakeholder sessions, surveys, and outreach to over 250 participants. The design framework categorized bicyclists into four groups—"Strong and Fearless," "Enthused and Confident," "Interested but Concerned," and "No Way, No How"—with a strategic emphasis on accommodating the "Interested but Concerned" majority through protected facilities and neighborhood bikeways. The plan recommends the addition of 300 miles of bikeways to be implemented over ten years. The proposed network includes 102 miles of routes for "Enthused and Confident" riders, 92 miles of neighborhood bikeways, and 34 miles of protected facilities suitable for all ages and abilities. To jump-start the network, the plan identifies 11 "catalyst projects," such as cycle tracks on Elmwood Avenue, Main Street, and Church Street, and neighborhood bikeways on Parkridge Avenue and Utica Street. These projects were selected based on ten prioritized goals, including safety, connectivity to existing facilities, access to underserved communities, and cost-effectiveness. The plan also outlines a long-range "rim-and-spoke" vision, utilizing multi-use trails as the rim and key bikeway corridors as spokes connecting to the downtown hub. The significance of this plan lies in its comprehensive approach to making Buffalo more affordable, sustainable, and livable. By addressing the historical disconnect caused by mid-20th-century highway construction, the plan seeks to restore connectivity and support ongoing urban revitalization. The recommendations are designed to increase Buffalo’s Bicycle Friendly Community rating and attract talent and employers by enhancing the city’s walkability and bikeability. The report concludes that implementing the network will benefit current cyclists, encourage new riders, and provide accessible transportation for those without vehicle access, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and equitable city.

Key finding

The plan recommends the addition of 300 miles of bikeways to be implemented over ten years, including 34 miles of protected facilities, 92 miles of neighborhood bikeways, and 102 miles of routes for confident riders.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 250

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• cyclist safety