In many cases, bicycle parking is a major factor in whether individuals choose to use a bicycle for commuting to work or for running errands. A part of our city’s transportation infrastructure, secure and accessible bicycle parking should be provided wherever people work, live and run errands. National data from the Federal Highway Administration identifies that forty percent (40%) of trips people make during the day occur within 2 miles from where they live and 80% of trips are within 5 miles. This means the bicycle is an ideal mode of transportation for a huge portion of the trips we all make in our daily lives.
Lack of bicycle parking is one of the most frequent complaints of bicyclists who ride or wish to for transportation purposes. This past summer when the pay and display parking system went into effect on some city streets and the old parking meters were being removed, finding a place to park your bicycle was like playing hide and seek.
Competing cities that are bicycle-friendly have a comparative advantage over Buffalo. Businesses looking to relocate or expand compare the amenities offered by Buffalo to those of cities of similar size. Job growth in our economy is greatest among small businesses and entrepreneurs. To attract and retain a productive and energetic work force, Buffalo must offer lifestyle amenities that attract these young, educated and talented employees.
To this end, last week Mayor Byron W. Brown announced the first phase installation of bicycle racks in commercial districts throughout our City. This first phase will see 35 racks installed, due to the overwhelming demand from businesses the Mayor identified another $60,000 for an additional 110 racks and Green Options Buffalo has assisted the city in securing an additional $100,000 through the federal Clean Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program for phase II installation in the spring.
This announcement, by encouraging bicycle commuting, is a positive step to help households, where one out of every three do not own a vehicle, during our current economic recession and volatile energy costs and reduce the community’s need for expensive automobile parking – all while encouraging active, healthy lifestyles and providing the type of lifestyle amenities that will continue to add to the vibrancy of our city.