Editor’s Note: Last week, Buffalonians took to the street en masse to enjoy the biking revolution. As it is still National Bike Month, a number of events were held, including rides, concerts and workshops. “It’s great to see so many people out on their bicycles this past week,” said Justin Booth of GO Bike Buffalo (formerly GO Buffalo). “There is a lot of exciting things happening in Buffalo and more to share soon. Please visit our new website, become a member and take advantage of our programs and activities that will be coming up. From new infrastructure, the Wheel to Reel free summer movie series and the Tour de Farm – we hope see everyone on two wheels this season.”
May is National Bike Month and the folks at GO Bike Buffalo, with the help of a few local businesses, have hosted a slew of activities and workshops to get more Buffalonians motivated to hit the streets on two wheels. If you missed these events, be sure to become a member of GO Bike Buffalo, and stay tuned for myriad bike-related events and activities.
It all kicked off May 11 with a tune-up night at the GO Bike Community Workshop, located at 98 Colvin Avenue. Riders brought their bikes down for a quick tune-up from one of the bike staff members. While the location is normally only open to members of GO Bike Buffalo, the event was open to the public.
There are always those considering a change in commuting style, but maybe they just need to brush up on cycling regulations. For those people, GO Bike hosted a commuter workshop on Saturday at the Community Workshop. Cyclists stopped down and learned everything they needed to know to get to work (or any other destination) safely on two wheels, including equipment and maintenance, cycling law and cyclists’ rights, wardrobe choices and roadside repair. Those who attended received a commuter tool kit, including a helmet, patch kit, light set, adjustable wrench and a bell.
The point of Buffalo Bike Week (last week) was to get cyclists tuned up, equipped, informed, and ready to go. Riders started off the week by fueling up at the Bicycle Breakfast hosted at Sweetness 7 Café. (Both the Grant Street and Parkside cafés hosted this event).
The official “Bike to Work Day” officially kicked off Friday. Café Taza, located at 100 Elmwood Avenue, hosted another Bicycle Breakfast (lead photo). For those riders who wanted to celebrate the end of a week of healthy commuting with a little more than the usual water bottle, there was a “Bike Away from Work Happy Hour” at Cantina Loco.
The grand finale of Bike to Work Week was the official GO Bike Launch party, hosted at the Essex Art Center on Saturday. After 11 years of serving the community, Green Options celebrated its mission to support healthy, sustainable transportation under a new name–Go Bike Buffalo. Along with their new name, the organization offered updated membership options, additional volunteer opportunities, and more programs for its members. There was live music, DJs and $1 Rusty Chains all night!
Whether you’re new to biking or you’ve been doing it for years, now is the perfect time to get yourself or your friends out riding. It doesn’t matter where you’re headed–if it’s work, school, or just out for some exercise–the benefits to you, your wallet, your community, and the environment will be well worth it. For more information on more upcoming events or joining GO Bike Buffalo, check out their website. Go Bike Buffalo is always promoting events that help to keep Buffalonians healthy and safe when on two wheels.
Now, GO Bike Buffalo.