Under the guidance of a $250,000 grant from New York state, the West Seneca Street Bikeway project in the city of Oswego has been set in motion.
The bicycle lanes are planned to stretch from West Sixth Street to West Second Street. This is ultimately going to not only connect the west-end neighborhoods and downtown Oswego, but also bring a direct pathway from the SUNY Oswego Campus into the business district.
The proposed plan from local firm Barton & Loguidice is set to include multiple bump-outs at each intersection, spacious lanes for cyclists and welcoming landscaping surrounding the lanes. All ideas are aligned with the previous riverside walk and bikeway revitalization plan that was completed this past summer.
“We are working hard to revitalize our neighborhood, specifically in these historic areas, and high-speed vehicle traffic is not conducive to neighborhood growth,” said City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. “This project will reduce and slow traffic, which in turn should make these neighborhoods in this area more pleasant and livable.”
Barlow said among other goals for the proposed project is a major focus to reshape how residents of Oswego see their personal transportation methods in the city. Barlow said he believes that the project will facilitate a movement for a healthy lifestyle and beautiful rejuvenation of surrounding neighborhoods and encourage residents to see their city in a new way through safe recreation.
“I believe that it will impact the connection between the SUNY Oswego campus and the city in a positive way,” Oswego State student Peter Wendler said.
Wendler, a longtime cyclist, said he “often felt cramped” on sidewalks biking around other residents and felt unsafe on the open city streets.
The West Seneca Bikeway is just one project on a growing agenda for the City of Oswego as we see it launch into longevity, sustainability and relevance. Barlow said that his goal is to make sure the neighborhoods within the city are safe, pleasant and livable.
Photo by Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian
