The times have changed. Past generations advocated for the Peanut Line trail in an era before NYSDOT and Erie County mounted initiatives to create safer thoroughfares and crossings along major routes. Not only are these “Complete Streets” principles gaining adoption, evidence of user demand is surging with routine public events including Slow Roll bicycle rides and others.
Any legacy pressure from area merchants opposed to mixed-use paths in their vicinity have also inverted, with establishments along the Peanut Line route already voicing support in advance of additional business from would-be patrons.
Even traffic concerns from earlier generations are seeing gradual, often unprecedented change. Through GPS routing apps, connected cars and eventual autonomous vehicles, former concerns of overwhelming traffic along major crossings can be more directly understood and mitigated.
This historic rail corridor is a publicly-owned community asset that must be made available for the enjoyment, health, wellness and economic prosperity of all Amherst residents and businesses. This can be our legacy for the future generations of residents that will demand access to healthy public amenities and thrive here when we are gone.
- Write/Call the Amherst Town Board and Planning Board. <Sample Letter>
- Ask Friends and Neighbors to Support the Campaign.
- Plan or Join an Activity on the Peanut Line.
- Join the Peanut Line Facebook Group
- Sign the Petition at Change.org
A safe and family friendly link between the Ellicott Creek bike path and the Clarence bike path can only improve the health and wellness of Amherst families and others in the region. It also would provide a safe means of accessing existing trails rather than riding or walking in streets.
Kimberly Schwinge, Amherst Resident