Buffalo Tests Bike Lanes, Cuts Kensington Parking
GObike Buffalo's temporary East Side changes remove about half of on-street parking on Kensington Avenue and East Delavan Avenue.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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GObike Buffalo has installed temporary bike lanes and road changes on Kensington Avenue and East Delavan Avenue as part of its East Side Healthy Streets initiative. The demonstration project removed about half of the on-street parking, drawing concerns from Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart about the impact on local businesses and residents.
Why it matters
The changes are intended to calm traffic and reduce dangerous speeds on the East Side, where the Masten, Fillmore, and Ellicott districts rank as the top three for traffic violence in Buffalo. Early data shows pedestrian use on Kensington has increased since the changes took effect.
Pre-change studies found 86% of on-street parking on Kensington goes unused on average, while the temporary project removed about half of the on-street spaces. DPW has not yet said whether any changes will become permanent, and the city council may review the resulting report.
The players
GObike Buffalo
GObike Buffalo is a Buffalo-based advocacy group promoting bicycle infrastructure and safer streets in the city.
Zeneta Everhart
Zeneta Everhart is a member of the Buffalo Common Council who has raised concerns about the parking impact of the bike lane changes.
Kevin Heffernan
Kevin Heffernan is a public figure referenced in connection with the East Side Healthy Streets coverage.
The details
Crews installed bike lanes and temporary road changes along Kensington Avenue and East Delavan Avenue to reallocate the roadway and calm traffic. The initiative, which has included community outreach since 2022, requires DPW to make the final call on whether any changes stay in place.
Timeline
2022: Community outreach for the East Side Healthy Streets initiative began.
November 19, 2026: Next public meeting scheduled at the Delevan Grider Community Center.
Market Landscape
The Kensington and Delavan changes follow the same parking-versus-bike-lane tension that surfaced in Buffalo's Elmwood Village debates over removing on-street spaces. Because the East Side districts rank highest for traffic violence, the outcome could set a precedent for how the city balances safety and curb access in its most dangerous corridors.
Drivers and businesses on Kensington and East Delavan may find fewer on-street spaces available during the temporary project. Residents who rely on curbside parking should watch for DPW's decision on whether the changes become permanent.
The takeaway
Street redesigns are often tested temporarily before permanent decisions, so residents can weigh in at public meetings before DPW finalizes any changes. Watching early pedestrian and parking data can help clarify whether the trade-offs are worth it.
What happens next
A public meeting on the East Side Healthy Streets initiative is scheduled for November 19 at the Delevan Grider Community Center.
Further reading
Explore more on Openings & Closings for local business changes across Buffalo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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