Help Shape the Future Trailheads of East Side Trails!
With the trail route now established through the feasibility study, the East Side Trails project has moved into the next phase of design. We’re inviting residents, trail users, and stakeholders to help identify the trailhead elements and features that will create safe, welcoming, and functional access points along the network.
Please complete a survey to share your feedback, highlight preferred amenities, and suggest improvements at the specified trailhead locations identified with each question. Your input will directly inform how trailheads are designed as the project advances toward implementation.
We also encourage you to share broader thoughts about the trail network. If you have general comments about the route, connectivity, safety, or opportunities you’d like the project team to consider, please share them at the end of this survey. This feedback will help guide ongoing planning and future phases of the East Side Trails initiative.
Welcome to the
East Side Trails
Project Site
The East Side Trails project will connect neighborhoods, parks, and transit hubs across Buffalo’s East Side with safe, welcoming walking and biking paths. Learn how these new connections will bring more access and opportunity to our community.
What’s been done so far
In 2023, GObike completed the East Side Trails Feasibility Study to evaluate opportunities for improving connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, greenspaces, and transit while enhancing safety and comfort for residents. The study established a preferred route, developed preliminary design concepts, and outlined implementation considerations to guide future project phases. The process emphasized equitable development and relied heavily on community participation, with GObike facilitating collaboration among residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the project reflects local priorities.
Tasks Accomplished
Preliminary designs developed: Early plans include elements such as lighting, signage, landscaping, pathway width, and surface materials (not yet City-approved).
Community engagement conducted: Residents, block clubs, nonprofits, and businesses have been involved to shape the vision and decision-making process.
Partnerships established: Collaboration with groups like Heart of the City Neighborhoods and other community organizations to guide the project.
Existing infrastructure incorporated into the plan: The project builds on the Scajaquada Creek Path and the William L. Gaiter Parkway sidepath while planning new connections to link them to the North Buffalo Rail Trail.
For more information on the feasibility study, visit https://gobikebuffalo.org/project/eastsidetrailconnections/
What’s being done now
GObike has advanced the East Side Trails project into the design and engineering phase by hiring LaBella Associates to lead the next stage of implementation, with Verity Engineering serving as a subconsultant to support technical analysis and corridor design.
This phase focuses on translating the preferred routes identified in the feasibility study into buildable plans by determining the specific design approach for each trail segment.
Work includes evaluating whether segments will function as shared-use paths, protected on-street facilities, or neighborhood greenways; establishing typical cross sections; refining intersection treatments; integrating lighting and wayfinding; addressing drainage and utility constraints; and ensuring ADA accessibility.
The team is also coordinating with the City of Buffalo to confirm constructability, improve safety, and enhance neighborhood connectivity while preparing the detailed plans and documentation necessary to position the project for future construction.
Contact Us
Interested in more information? Fill out some info and we’ll keep you in the loop. We can’t wait to hear from you!