One of the great assets we have here in Western New York is our close proximity to Canada. For cyclists this means access to over 85 miles (140 km) of recreational trails the stretches along the Niagara River and out to the Welland Canal along the Friendship Trail connecting us to Ontario's urban areas, the Niagara Escarpment, wine country and beaches through the Greater Niagara Circle Route (www.regional.niagara.on.ca/gnrc). The challenge for us Buffalonians is often crossing the bridge as a cyclist - it is often confusing and challenging.
As a start to alleviate this situation, the Public Bridge Authority launched the Bike to the Bridge initiative aimed at educating bicyclists and pedestrians on proper crossing procedures at the Peace Bridge facility. The campaign is focused on providing public outreach and information distribution which includes a dedicated webpage, an instructional web video on how to cross by bicycle, downloadable maps and pamphlets with travel routes, a complete online listing of necessary identification requirements, several new road and sidewalk signs, as well as reference materials for customs agencies.
While this represents an excellent first step, much more could and should be done and the PBA has provided us with an opportunity to begin this dialogue. So we want to hear from you. What has your experience been crossing the Peace Bridge by bicycle? What improvements would you recommend to make the crossing safe and enjoyable?
Green Options Buffalo will compile your comments and utilize this forum to develop a set of recommendations for the PBA. This will provide input into the next steps for making bicycling our international crossing safe and efficient.
Photo (L-R): Ron Rienas and Ken Schoetz from the Public Bridge Authority along with Justin Booth
View image
As a start to alleviate this situation, the Public Bridge Authority launched the Bike to the Bridge initiative aimed at educating bicyclists and pedestrians on proper crossing procedures at the Peace Bridge facility. The campaign is focused on providing public outreach and information distribution which includes a dedicated webpage, an instructional web video on how to cross by bicycle, downloadable maps and pamphlets with travel routes, a complete online listing of necessary identification requirements, several new road and sidewalk signs, as well as reference materials for customs agencies.
While this represents an excellent first step, much more could and should be done and the PBA has provided us with an opportunity to begin this dialogue. So we want to hear from you. What has your experience been crossing the Peace Bridge by bicycle? What improvements would you recommend to make the crossing safe and enjoyable?
Green Options Buffalo will compile your comments and utilize this forum to develop a set of recommendations for the PBA. This will provide input into the next steps for making bicycling our international crossing safe and efficient.
Photo (L-R): Ron Rienas and Ken Schoetz from the Public Bridge Authority along with Justin Booth
A new bridge would be a first good step.