Can we just re-stripe Main Street for now?!

The National Street Improvements Study conducted by Portland State a university confirmed that adding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure had either positive or non significant impacts on the local economy. That is great because so many people think it will be bad for business!

For example: When bike lanes were installed on Central Avenue in Minneapolis, retail employment increased 12.4% and had a 52.44% increase in food sales. 

Main Street in Buffalo is undergoing a redesign now with the intent to start a multi phased approach reconstruction project in 2022. It’s expected to take 2 - 3 years for each phase. Do we really have to wait nearly a decade to have a safe Main Street that works for people and businesses? We could spend a tiny fraction of money to restripe this temporarily to add bicycle and car lanes in the spring and get 5 + years out of it. That way we have a safe street while it gets reconstructed. Food for thought.