BUFFALO, N.Y. – Daemen College students working on a semester-long service learning project in Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood collaborated with Slow Roll Buffalo and The Broadway Market to host a community bike ride on Sept. 24.

Nearly 800 Slow Roll participants and area residents were in attendance at the neighborhood ride created for a Daemen service learning course, a core requirement for all undergraduate students that integrates classroom learning with active participation in service activities in the community. The project is among other efforts and activities overseen by the college’s Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement.

“The Slow Roll ride was part of a semester-long project that focused on ways cultural initiatives are integrated into economic revitalization of a community,” said Daniel Shanahan, assistant professor and coordinator of the Daemen Entrepreneurism Program, who teaches the service learning course. “The event was a wonderful interactive service learning opportunity that connected academics with civic responsibility and helped students to gain a better understanding of the priorities in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.”

An inclusive biking organization, Slow Roll brings together Western New York residents to explore by bike a variety of Buffalo neighborhoods. Riders at the event had the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood and also met local business owners and residents involved in the community at stops along the ride path.

A post-event party at The Broadway Market featured Big Ditch Brewery, Chateau Buffalo wine, food from Margie's Soul Food, Babcia's Pierogi, East West Café, Potts Deli, Chrusciki Bakery, Cali Eats Tacos & Churros and Kathrene's Cuisine A Taste of the Philippines, and live jazz performed by Walter Kemp 3oh.