Crews Cleaning, Sweeping, Addressing Maintenance Issues on “Ride for Roswell” Route

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Public Works, through the Highway Division, is joining with thousands of Western New Yorkers who are getting ready for the 2013 Ride for Roswell, which takes place on Saturday, June 22. In the days prior to the event, Highway crews will be active on more than 30 county roads that are part of the Ride route sweeping away loose debris, evaluating the shoulders of roads and taking remedial action where necessary, mowing grass and trimming vegetation to improve sightlines and visibility, and performing general light maintenance to improve the Ride experience for the thousands of riders expected to take part. This includes stretches of the Ride route that go through Ellicott, Isleview, Akron Falls, and Black Rock Canal Parks.

“Erie County is proud to help facilitate this great event by paying extra attention to the roads along the Ride route, and doing our part to provide participants with a safe riding experience,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Just like many other area residents, we are also getting ready to help in the fight against cancer. I want to thank the members of our Department of Public Works for the job they are doing in creating a better experience for all riders by enhancing the routes the cyclists will take on ‘Ride Day.’ ”

The Ride for Roswell features River Routes (of 20, 30, or 45 miles); Family Routes (of 3 or 8 miles); and Country Routes (of 33, 44, 62.5, or 104 miles). Start times on Saturday begin at 6:30 AM and run through 10:30 AM, depending on route selection. All routes begin and end at Baird Point on the North Campus of the University at Buffalo in Amherst.

“The safety of our riders and volunteers is top of mind, and we are so thankful to Erie County for the great work they do to keep Ride participants out of harm’s way,” said Marcus Stanfill, director of operations and administration for the Ride for Roswell. “Our commitment to safety is met with Erie County’s help and through safety planning, training, education and the establishment of policies and procedures.”

For more information on the Ride for Roswell, visit   www.RideforRoswell.org