Buffalo might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of bicycling in New York. Nevertheless, visitors to the area may be surprised to learn what its residents already know: not only do people bicycle to commute and for leisure, but the city boasts several infrastructure projects to make cycling safer and more accessible.

The thing is, despite these features, bicycling in Buffalo is risky. Numerous bike accidents occur every year in Erie and Niagara counties, including some that claim bicyclists’ lives. Recognizing these dangers is essential to safely enjoy your ride, whether you are cycling for pleasure or to get from one part of town to another. Let’s review the bicycling infrastructure in the city and some statistics.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Buffalo?

Available statistics count the total number of bicycle accidents reported in Erie and Niagara counties over a five-year period beginning in 2017. A total of 1,344 wrecks involving at least one bicyclist occurred during this time. Over 300 accidents were reported in 2017 alone, while 2020 saw only 241 crashes, the lowest of any of the five years.

Over the five years, less than one percent of these accidents resulted in a fatality. A total of 15 bicyclists lost their lives in wrecks. A total of eight were killed between 2017 and 2020. But seven cyclists were killed in bike accidents in 2021 alone.

Where Buffalo Bike Wrecks Are Likely To Happen

Not every part of Buffalo is equally dangerous to bicyclists. The following areas have seen a higher number of bicycle crashes than other areas. 

  • Comstock Avenue, north of East Amherst Street
  • Near the intersection of West Perry Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Richmond Avenue
  • Genesee Street, just east of downtown Buffalo
  • Genesee Street and Bailey Avenue
  • Langfield Drive, east of Bailey Avenue
  • Dodge Street and Masten Avenue

Cyclists should exercise additional caution when biking along these roads. Other locations with a high volume of injury crashes include West Ferry Street near Grant Street, Sycamore Street east of downtown, and Bailey Avenue from Langfield Drive to Genesee Street.

Buffalo’s Bicycling Infrastructure

Bicycling is good for the environment and can help alleviate traffic congestion. Cities like Buffalo can encourage more people to bicycle through infrastructure projects designed to make cycling safer and more convenient. 

Some of the bicycling infrastructure present in Buffalo today includes the following:

Bicycle Lanes

Bike lanes are marked travel lanes on roadways intended only for bicyclists. Motor vehicles are not permitted to travel within these lanes for any reason. A bicycle lane puts distance between cars and bicyclists using the same road, reducing the chance of a collision. These lanes can be found throughout Buffalo, especially in (and north of) the downtown area.

New York State Bicycle Routes

New York State Bicycle Routes 5 and 517 are on-road, marked bicycle routes connecting Buffalo to other parts of the state. Route 5 runs 365 miles from Niagara Falls to the Massachusetts state line. Route 517 is 90 miles long and ends at the Pennsylvania state line. Because these are on-road routes, bicyclists share the road with other motorists.

Off-Road Trails

Unlike bike lanes, off-road trails are physically separated from roads used by motor vehicles. These trails run throughout Buffalo and offer bicyclists a safer alternative to traveling around some regions of the city.

Steps for Bicycling Safely in Buffalo, NY

You cannot control the actions and behaviors of other drivers in Buffalo, of course, but there are steps that you can take to protect yourself when riding your bike. 

Following these tips can reduce the chances of a collision and lower your risk of a severe injury in the event you do collide with a vehicle:

Wear an Approved Helmet

Wearing a helmet is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself against a severe head injury in a crash. For maximum protection, ensure that the helmet is approved by either the Consumer Products Safety Commission or the Snell Foundation or that it meets similar safety standards. It should also fit you properly.

Follow Traffic Safety Laws

Bicyclists should follow all traffic laws that apply to motor vehicle drivers. These include stopping at red lights and stop signs and observing right-of-way laws. 

At crosswalks, bicyclists can cross simultaneously as pedestrians unless there is a designated bicycle light to tell cyclists when to cross. Finally, bike riders should use hand signals to indicate their intentions of turning or stopping.

Use Bicycle Lanes When Available

Motorists can have difficulty seeing bicyclists, but riding in a designated bike lane can increase the chances that a driver will see you. Do not venture out of a bike lane unless you must do so to turn or to reach your destination.

Ride Defensively

Always be aware of nearby cars and their actions when riding your bike. And never ride so fast that you cannot stop in time to avoid colliding with a vehicle or another bicyclist. Finally, do not engage in aggressive behaviors like following others too closely or riding excessively fast during wet or slippery road conditions.

Make Sure You and Your Bike Are Properly Equipped

Your bike should have reflectors or lights on the front and back and be equipped with some sort of bell, horn, or other audible warning device. Similarly, donning reflective or high-visibility clothing can make it easier for motorists to spot you, especially at night or in inclement weather. Finally, ensure that your bike’s tires and brakes are in good condition.

How To Safely Bike in Buffalo

Buffalo has taken steps to increase bicyclist safety and convenience through bike lanes and other infrastructure projects. However, that does not mean bicyclists can rest easy and ride carefree. Numerous accidents involving bicyclists still happen in Erie and Niagara counties, including some that are fatal. 

Aside from riding defensively and following traffic safety laws, Buffalo bicyclists can protect themselves from injury or death by taking common-sense steps like wearing a helmet, wearing highly visible clothing, and ensuring that their bikes are equipped with appropriate safety equipment.