By Kate Bartlett
May is Biking month and throughout Western New York, GObike is raising awareness and advocating for active mobility options. Founded in 2010, GObike works to ensure public space belongs to all people and accommodates all types of mobility. Their education programs focus on road safety, they conduct their own infrastructure planning and engineering in partnership with local cities, towns, and villages, and they hope to create a transportation system that supports and protects everyone, whether travelling by bike, in a wheelchair, on foot or in a car.
is invited to stop in, use bike stands, tools, spare parts and guidance from
their team to work on their own bike. Currently, Open Shop is held on Tuesdays
from 5-8pm at 98 Colvin, and Saturday 10am-2pm at 313 Broadway, $10 for the
public and free for GObike members
Throughout the month of May, GObike is running a variety of workshops and events that are free and open to the public. Kevin Heffernan, Deputy Director of GObike, encourages everyone to get out on a bike this month, and is providing several opportunities to do so. “May is the perfect time to bike,” says Kevin. “We can help you get a bike in your hands, tuned up and ready to ride safely through the summer months.”
Since their inception, GObike has offered a weekly “Open Shop,” where the public is invited to stop in, use bike stands, tools, spare parts and guidance from their team to work on their own bike. Currently, Open Shop is held on Tuesdays from 5-8pm at 98 Colvin, and Saturday 10am-2pm at 313 Broadway, $10 for the public and free for GObike members.
GObike also works hard at providing bikes to those in need, with a volunteer night on Thursdays at 98 Colvin to work on bikes that will be donated to community groups for distribution to those in need. “We do this every Thursday throughout the year because our volunteers continue to come, eager to get their hands greasy to help give someone else the gift of mobility.” says Kevin.
This year, they and Independent Health have worked to add
the I-190 to the event for the first time ever. For more information,
visit gobikebuffalo.org
This year, they and Independent Health have worked to add
the I-190 to the event for the first time ever. For more information,
visit gobikebuffalo.org
The nonprofit works hard to construct and maintain safe roadways throughout Western New York. “We are always working towards a safer biking community through various modalities. We frequently run safety and bike maintenance education programs in schools and community organizations. We help plan and design safer trails, greenways, roads and intersections, and advocate for improved traffic safety legislation.” GObike recently worked in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area on building out safe infrastructure, and is excited to be a part of the Southern tier Trail (STT) design and engineering efforts. “This trail is going to be a major asset to the area,” says Kevin. “This is an exciting phase to see come to fruition. Many people are familiar with feasibility studies. STT is one of the rare times these efforts graduate into design and engineering, with money in place for construction.”
Every Thursday, GObike will host a free, casual Bike Breakfast at various locations around Buffalo including Trinity Church Courtyard, Bicycle Bottle Shop, Fountain Plaza, Lexington Coop Market, and more. These gatherings are the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow bikers, and help grow the biking community while enjoying oatmeal, coffee and music.
Wednesday, May 14 was Bike to School Day for schools in downtown Buffalo. “We encourage parents to organize their own bike to school day during May,” says Kevin. “It’s a great opportunity to get kids outdoors, and excited about going to school. We encourage everyone to start small, and keep safety in mind.” Reach out to Daniel Clark, education manager, for tips on forming a bike to school day at daniel@gobikebuffalo.org.
GObike believes that biking improves mental health by getting outside and being active. “May is the perfect month to celebrate biking,” says Kevin. “It’s the right time to get set up for a good summer. Get those bikes tuned up, get out and ride! It’s also a great time to assess if you really need your car to get places. Biking is great for your health and the environment.”
Join GObike for their annual, iconic SkyRide on July 20. This year, they and Independent Health have worked to add the I-190 to the event for the first time ever. For more information, visit gobikebuffalo.org.