The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites people of all abilities to try cycling and paddling along the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail. To that end, they are holding events across the state that 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.
Locally, Pop-up Palooza: Accessible Kayaking & Cycling Exploration will be held August 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Brockport Welcome Center, 11 Water Street. The event will include standard and adaptive kayaking and cycling equipment so the whole family can experience their 1st Mile or 100th mile on the Erie Canal. Guests will be matched with the kayaking and cycling equipment that best meets their needs. The free event is hosted by Rochester Accessible Adventures. Registration is required to participate. Visit rochesteraccessibleadventures.org/
event/pop-up-palooza-2/ for more information and to register.
“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, including Brockport.
Anita O’Brien, Executive Director of 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.”
These events are part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s Accessible Tourism Marketing Initiative and 1st Mile Challenge of the Canalway Challenge. These 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.
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