Project Summary

The East Side Trails project is designed to expand safe, accessible walking and biking options across Buffalo’s East Side. The project combines improvements to existing paths, such as the off-road Scajaquada Creek Path in Cold Springs and the sidepath along William L. Gaiter Parkway, with new on- and off-road connections that link these facilities together and extend the network to the North Buffalo Rail Trail.

By filling key gaps, the project will improve connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, and greenspaces, giving residents more opportunities to enjoy safe and comfortable routes close to home. Through community engagement, neighbors have shared that while many enjoy walking, they often lack a safe or welcoming place to do so within their own neighborhood. Addressing this need for access, safety, and comfort is at the heart of the East Side Trails vision.

When complete, the project will provide continuous off-road access from William L. Gaiter Parkway to McCarthy Park, while also creating safer connections to major transit hubs at LaSalle Station and East Delavan at Main Street. These improvements will strengthen neighborhood connections, promote active lifestyles, and celebrate the East Side as a vibrant and walkable part of Buffalo.

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/

Stakeholder
Engagement

What stakeholders have to say

East Side Trails: How to encapsulate our history along these trails

Angie Davis Leveritte, President, Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1
Allison DeHonney, Executive Director, Buffalo Go Green
Ellen Harris-Harvey, President, Trinidad Neighborhood Association

Community Organizations

Stakeholder Committee

East Side Trails: It's time to invest in Buffalo's East Side infrastructure

Stephanie Lee, Northland Beltline Taxpayers Association
Angie Davis Leveritte, President, Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1
Allison DeHonney, Executive Director, Buffalo Go Green

East Side Trails: Green Space in Buffalo's East Side

Stephanie Lee, Northland Beltline Taxpayers Association
Angie Davis Leveritte, President, Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1
Allison DeHonney, Executive Director, Buffalo Go Green
Ellen Harris-Harvey, President, Trinidad Neighborhood Association

  • Delavan-Grider Community Center

  • Fillmore Forward, Inc.

  • Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers Association

  • Mount Olive Baptist Church/Mount Olive Development Corporation

  • Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1

  • Northland Beltline Taxpayers Association

  • Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC)

  • Trinidad Neighborhood Association

As part of the feasibility study process, GObike and Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. convened a stakeholder committee, full of community members and representatives of local, community-based organizations.

This group met regularly to push the process forward, as well as be trusted advisors and advocates for the communities and neighborhoods that will be most affected by the East Side Trail project.

  • Stephen Arlington, University Heights Collaborative

  • Stephanie Barber-Geter, Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association and Restore Our Community Coalition

  • LaTasha Bulluck, L.A.S.T. Call Laundry and Black Girls Hike

  • Steven Butler, Ike & BG’s Restaurant

  • Allison DeHonney, Urban Fruits and Veggies and Buffalo Go Green

  • Ellen Harris-Harvey, Trinidad Neighborhood Association

  • Dr. Callie Johnson, Director of Communications and Community Engagement at Albright Knox

  • Stephanie Lee, Northland Beltline Taxpayers Association

  • Angie Davis Leveritte, Norfolk Avenue Block Club

  • Robert Mootry, Mount Olive Baptist Church/Mount Olive Development Corporation

  • Candace Moppins, Delavan Grider Community Center

  • Jasmine J. Westbrook, Buffalo Urban League-Young Professionals

  • Carl Skompinski, Board Member, Fillmore Forward, Inc.

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