Western New York Town Receives Grant to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents

Jan. 21, 2013

The town of Gowanda, just outside of Buffalo, is set to receive a major overhaul of its pedestrian and bicycle crossings located near schools thanks to a federal grant issued through the “Safe Routes to School” campaign. An article from The Observer explains the changes being made in an effort to improve safety and reduce the number of injuries associated with Buffalo Pedestrian Accidents in these areas.

The $650,000 grant is funded through the Department of Transportation, with $500,000 being designated for infrastructural changes and the remainder is allocated for educational programs. Officials say the first year of the program will be spent brainstorming and planning. The remaining four years will be made implementing drastic changes to the town’s pedestrian accessibility.

Some measures being carried out include upgrades to sidewalks in problematic areas and, potentially, a walking trail along Cattaraugus Creek and the HCA along North Water Street to Hillis Field.

Mike Hutchinson, former Highway Superintendent, stated he hoped the program would encourage parents to walk with their children to school.

The Car Accident Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices are hopeful that the implementation of these programs will help to improve the quality of life for the community of Gowanda, and that they will also reduce the number of pedestrians and cyclists  injured in the area each year.