Generous donations by two residents and one Main Street business have provided six shiny new bikes for the bike loan rack at the Welcome Center on the Erie Canal.
Russell Church, who owns Bicycle Outfitters on Main Street has been donating free labor over the years to keep the used donated bikes in riding condition, but earlier this year Doug Wolcott, volunteer Harbor Master at the Welcome Center, stepped-up and purchased two brand new bikes.
The generous and thoughtful donation prompted Church to donate another bike.
Resident David Markham then donated kids’ bikes and Church says he responded with a second donation. The result has been two new men’s, two new women’s and two new children’s bikes available for cycling around the village and along the canal.
“The bikes are single-speed and are easy to operate,” Church says. “Next year maybe we can do a couple more.” He explains that used bikes, which have been the mainstay of the Welcome Center fleet over the years, have broken-down frequently.
With the new bikes, there are no concerns about broken parts and it’s easy for borrowers to get around town. Church says he hopes in the future more new bikes will be donated for their ease of use and maintenance.
Doug Wolcott says he enjoys his volunteer work at the Welcome Center and donating the new bikes was something he just wanted to do. “A lot of people use those bikes,” he says. “People come for a visit and ride around Brockport; students use them .. it’s great riding around here. It’s important to have good bikes available.”
Jim Hosford, who was volunteering on a recent late summer afternoon at the Welcome Center, noted that everyone is pleased to find the new bikes. “The college kids have been enjoying them,” he says. “We are grateful for the donations.” Hosford added that boaters along the canal tell him they enjoy stopping in Brockport – some say they like the fact it is the only stop they make along the canal that is within walking distance of a movie theater.
To borrow a bike, visit the Welcome Center during open hours, provide a form of photo ID and sign out the bicycle of your choice. It must be returned before the Welcome Center closes for the day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October.
