This week is National Bike to Work Week and bicyclists have taken to the street en masse. Tonight Green Options Buffalo is holding a celebration for cyclists with "Merge into the Bike Lane".
 
The celebration is the kick-off to a beautiful season but also a year where we will begin to see Buffalo begin to change into a more bicycle-friendly city. In the works are several projects to accomplish this goal including;
 
The third phase of the Commercial District Bicycle Parking program will go into effect which will see 150 more bicycle racks installed across the city by the end of the summer.
 
There are several roads that are being designed with "Complete Streets" in mind; the South Park Avenue revitalization project will include new street lighting, sidewalk improvements, enhanced crosswalks, 400 new trees, and dedicated bike lanes. In addition, Niagara Street will be undergoing a "road diet" reducing the travel lanes and adding a center turn lane as well as bicycle lanes from Busti Ave. all the way up to Ontario Street.
 
This past Tuesday's Council legislation committee approved the creation of a Complete Streets Coordinator for the city. Work still needs to be done to include the position as part of the budget discussion but it is a stark change in our city's leadership recognizing the needs of all roadway users.
 
This is a good start and more is too come. With the cycling season upon us there is no better time to come out and celebrate.  There is a $20 admission but - half off for those who ride their bicycle; a free bicycle valet will be available to park the bikes. Food and Beer provided by Merge, Funky Grooves by DJ Cutler and new to the set list will be the Blood Thirsty Vegans! There will also be a 50/50 and Bicycle Raffle.
 
Hope you can make it!
 
When:  Tonight - Thursday May 20th from 8-10pm
 
Where: Merge Restaurant (439 Delaware Ave.)
 
Who: Buffalo's Cyclists