During PTNY’s Cycle the Erie Canal Tour in July
Article and Photo by Garrett W. Roe, Walk!Bike!Brockport!
The Brockport community once again rolled out the welcome mat for cyclists traveling through the village during the annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour. The welcome event was held on July 13 along the Erie Canal and was coordinated by Walk!Bike!Brockport! (W!B!B!) with support from numerous community partners.
Located on the north side of the Main Street lift bridge, the welcome station served as a hub of activity throughout the morning. Cyclists could refill water bottles, send complimentary postcards home, place pins on a map showing where they traveled from, and receive recommendations about local restaurants, attractions, and services. Live music and friendly greeters added to the festive atmosphere while showcasing Brockport’s vibrant canal front community.
A highlight of the event was the postcard station, where riders were invited to send a note home with postage provided through a partnership with the Village of Brockport. Volunteers processed 288 postcards, including mail destined for communities across the United States as well as international destinations in Canada and Germany. The postcards provided a unique snapshot of the geographic diversity of tour participants and helped promote Brockport’s reputation as a welcoming stop along the Erie Canal.
The annual Cycle the Erie Canal is PTNY’s premier annual event, attracting riders from across the country and around the world for a bicycle tour showcasing the Erie Canal’s rich history while highlighting the communities that line the iconic New York State waterway. For many riders, the welcome station offered a first introduction to the Brockport community and encouraged future visits to the village. The welcome event also highlighted Brockport’s commitment to active transportation, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
The event represented a true community collaboration, bringing together local organizations, businesses, municipal departments, and volunteers. Partners included the Village of Brockport, Brockport Department of Public Works, Brockport Police Department, Brockport Welcome Center, SUNY Brockport, the Brockport Lions Club, Bike N’ Things, Brockport Community Rowing, the Brockport Buskers, the Canal Corporation, and Parks & Trails New York (PTNY). W!B!B! extends its sincere thanks to the many community collaborators who contributed their time, resources, and enthusiasm to make this event a success. Walk!Bike!Brockport! is a volunteer-led committee composed of village residents and university professionals dedicated to promoting active recreation and transportation initiatives in the greater community. Visit https://walkbikebrockport.org to learn more
