BUFFALO (WBEN) - GObike is launching a community outreach for an 80-mile shared-use bike and pedestrian path known as the Southern Tier Trail.
The multi-use trail would connect the City of Buffalo to the Town of Hinsdale, following the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railroad corridor to connect 20 regional towns, and it would also provide links to the 750-mile Empire State Trail and the 90-mile Genesee Valley Greenway.
"We think this is incredibly important right now, particularly during this crisis, as we see our parks, trails and green spaces continue to be a vital resource in our region and a key aspect of our quality of life," said Justin Booth, executive director of GObike. "We're lucky to have so many of these recreational spaces, but we're also seeing how this crisis has made these green spaces even more important for our mental and physical health, and how many of our trails, parks and green ways are currently at capacity across the region."
GObike has hired Alta Planning & Design to complete a feasibility study for the project, which is expected to be completed in the winter of this year.
Booth says the project is supported by funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the organization is interested in committing 15-20% of the projects costs.
“The Buffalo Niagara region has the potential to become a world-class bicycling region," said Booth. "With the Empire State Trail nearly complete, the continued expansion and improvement of the Shoreline Trail, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation's $50 million commitment to multi-use trails in Western New York, our region is on track to become a booming bicycling tourism destination."
GObike will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, May 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.