GObike Buffalo is hosting a unique event to wrap up Bike Month in the form of the First Annual SkyRide—which will give cyclists the opportunity to pedal over one of the most auto-centric and controversial stretches of roadway in western New York: the Skyway.

Registration for the event takes place from 8am-9:30am this Saturday (5/31) at Canalside, and the overall ride will include “a bicycle tour of historic locations, new bicycle infrastructure, and a scenic ride over the Buffalo Skyway highlighting and celebrating the past, present, and future of bicycling in Buffalo spanning 29 miles,” according to the press release.

For those not wishing to cover the full course, it will be separated into two loops: the first of which will take riders “up and over the Skyway to the outer harbor, through South Park and back downtown, totaling 14 miles. The second loop will go up Delaware avenue, around Delaware Park, and back to Canalside along the Niagara River Greenway segment of the Shoreline Trail, totaling 15 miles.” A post-ride celebration will feature a food and beer tent for riders, their families, and friends.

And no, riders will not be jockeying for position with automobiles on their way over the tallest hill in Buffalo thanks to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), which has been instrumental in coordinating this historic event. For just two hours, the roadway will be closed to cars.

“The NYSDOT is proud to support this effort to promote bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation,” says NYSDOT Regional Director Darrell Kaminski. “The SkyRide is a wonderful example of a partnership that benefits the Western New York community.”

With summer fast approaching, this is a great opportunity to explore all the destinations that are easily accessible to bicyclists on Buffalo’s increasingly bike-friendly streets and bike paths. Be sure to pick up a copy of next week’s Artvoice Summer Guide, which will be full of suggested destinations to make the season fun—including a look inside one local company that is making this kind of alternative transportation more accessible and appealing to those who may not want to own a bicycle of their own.