ECNHC_CanalwayTrail_AdaptiveCyclingWaterford, NY - The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is pleased to announce upcoming events to invite people of all abilities to try cycling and paddling along the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail. The events will offer equipment like adaptive bicycles and kayaks to assist with accessibility needs, and an opportunity to meet others who are recreating along the canals.

"We are thrilled to be working in partnership with disability advocates to showcase access to adaptive equipment and inclusive settings which expand recreational opportunities for people with disabilities," said Bob Radliff, Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. "We hope that communities and businesses throughout the canal corridor continue to design, build, and offer experiences that are inclusive for all."

The Canalway Trail, which is part of the Empire State Trail, is accessible for people of all abilities to walk, stroll with a wheelchair, or cycle. The trail meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Several places along the canal also have adaptive kayak launches.

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The Canalway Trail and the Empire State Trail provide great opportunities for travelers with different accessibility needs, and I LOVE NY cordially invites travelers of all abilities to plan a trip and explore all that New York State has to offer this summer."

Anita O’Brien, Executive Director or Rochester Accessible Adventures said: “We are excited to be a part of ensuring people with disabilities who live in or travel to our region are able to access the equipment they need to explore the greatness of the Erie Canalway alongside their family and friends. We hope this 1st Mile will be the start of many more for hundreds of people who may not yet have tried inclusive kayaking and cycling!”

Peyton Sefick, Project Coordinator of the Fitness Inclusion Network said: "The Canalway Corridor is an incredible resource that provides the Syracuse area with an accessible trail near lush green space. Our hope for the TRAID on the Trails event is to open more opportunities for people with disabilities to discover the trail and try out adaptive equipment, grow confidence, and bolster communities statewide."

These events are part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s Accessible Tourism Marketing Initiative and 1st Mile Challenge of the Canalway ChallengeThese initiatives are supported by the National Park Service and by Market New York through I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

2021 EVENTS

Summer Serenades and Accessible Kayaking
7/15, Village of Brockport
Celebrate the opening of a new adaptive kayak dock at the Brockport Welcome Center during the first concert of the Summer Serenades series. The celebration is free and will include musical performances with a flotilla of kayaks. Hosted by the Village of Brockport.

Pop-up Palooza: Accessible Kayaking & Cycling Exploration
8/7 Brockport, 8/24 Lockport, 9/18 Fairport 

Explore the Erie Canalway Water Trail and Canalway Trail! Each event will include standard and adaptive kayaking and cycling equipment so your whole family can experience your 1st Mile or your 100th mile on the Erie Canal. Guests will be matched with the kayaking and cycling equipment that best meets their needs. Hosted by Rochester Accessible Adventures.

TRAID ON THE TRAIL
8/7, Cedar Bay Park, Town of DeWitt
Try out adaptive cycles, kayaks, or running chariots and complete your 1st Mile along the Erie Canalway Trail. Meet others in the disability community who are enjoying adaptive sport and recreation. TRAID is a NYS funded network of loan closets where families can borrow mobility devices such as adaptive cycles or running chariots for free. Hosted by Fitness Inclusion Network, SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Color Wayne Fun Run/Walk
9/4, Erie Shore Landing, Newark
Participate in-person or attend virtually for this fun-filled 2-mile walk, run, or roll along the newly renovated Erie Canalway Trail in Newark. Perfect for the whole family and for people of all abilities; celebrate at the end with live DJ, yard games, and food. Hosted by ARC Wayne.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. www.eriecanalway.org

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IMAGE: Cyclists using adaptive bicycles along the Erie Canalway Trail. Provided by: Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Contact:

Jean Mackay, Director of Communications and Outreach
518-925-6721, jean_mackay@partner.nps.gov