Big Changes To Niagara Street Have Residents Wanting More

Niagara Street may have set the example for the surrounding areas of Western New York. 

The street looks a little different for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians after a set of newly constructed bike lanes recently made their big debut. 

Last summer, they worked to extend the bike lanes all the way up to Hertel Avenue, where cyclists can hop on The Shoreline Trail and take into Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Youngston – you name it. 

These bike lanes allow the cyclists to safely bike from Canalside to the foot of the Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda along the water.

It seems like everyone loves the bike lanes. Drivers have more of a view of the oncoming bikers and the bikers have a safer, designated lane to ride in. Pedestrians don’t have to worry about bikers taking up the sidewalk in an effort to avoid the close proximity to cars who may or may not be able to see you. 

It’s a win-win, right? Now, many Western New York residents are supporting bike lanes on streets who are long overdue for them, including Delaware and Elmwood. 

The new bike lanes on Niagara street are awesome. Now let's do Delaware and Elmwood.
by u/fried_pertaters in Buffalo

The problem that seems to come up in discussions amongst neighbors is: where is the space?

Even if you don’t live in the Elmwood area, you know if you have ever driven through the town that there is very limited street space. So many houses lack a driveway that many people, as a result, have to park on the street. For one way streets or narrow two way streets, this can prove problematic when attempting to add a bike lane, similar to the one that we have seen on Niagara Street. 

However, there are so many commuters who prefer to bike around this area, so maybe we will see some more bike lanes similar to the ones on Niagara Street. Obviously the residents want it!