BROCKPORT — Cyclists are flooding the Erie Canal, and local businesses can learn how to profit from them.
The New York State Canal Corp. and Parks & Trails New York are presenting a roundtable discussion for businesses and communities along the canal corridor. The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use recreational trail running along the Canal and is geared toward bicycles tourists. The “Bicyclists Bring Business” roundtable is an opportunity for businesses and communities to learn how to promote the trail and use it for financial gain.
“The Erie Canal Corridor has all the right ingredients to become an international bicycle touring destination: a premier off-road trail, peaceful country roads with wide shoulders, picturesque villages, impressive historic sites and museums, charming bed and breakfasts and inns, ample campgrounds, and country stores and farm stands,” said Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. “Through the roundtable, we want to help businesses and communities along the Canal corridor attract bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, and thereby increase their share of economic benefits from the Canalway Trail.”
The roundtable will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 6, at the Seymour Library, 161 East Ave., Brockport. Topics to be covered include: Understanding the demographics and needs of the bicycle tourist; making communities and businesses more bicycle-friendly; developing infrastructure to accommodate bicycles and bicyclists; and marketing to outdoor recreationalists. The program will also include networking time and light refreshments.
A similar meeting was held in Lockport in May 2006.
The route isn’t finished yet, but with more than 260 miles of trail constructed, the Erie Canalway Trail is nearly 75 percent complete. It will eventually encompass more than 348 miles of continuous multi-use trail, connecting Lake Erie and Buffalo to the Hudson River. Even though it isn’t completed, Fran Gotcsik, director of programs and policy for Parks & Trails, said the trail is already busy with cyclists.
At the discussion, businesses will learn to become more “bicycle friendly” and tap into the tourist market opportunity the trail provides. Both the Canal Corp. and Parks & Trails are working on an agreement with the Empire State Bed and Breakfast Association to create a relationship to promote the trail. Putting information online would help draw tourists by allowing them to plan a vacation using the trail.
“It’s a great opportunity to do a mapping of other trails, as well as links to other businesses that are bicycle-friendly,” Gotcsik said.
Parks & Trails believes it is a great opportunity for business. “Studies consistently show that bicycle and other outdoor tourists come from high-income households, typically spend between $100 and $300 per day, and will travel significant distances to regions offering a good mix of cycling, attractions, and services,” according to a Parks & Trails statement. “With new sections of Canalway Trail opening in Amherst and at other locations across the state, more and more cyclists will be choosing to take vacations in Upstate New York.”
Businesses are asked to reserve their spot at the roundtable by sending an RSVP to Parks & Trails New York at B3roundtable@ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583.
Contact reporter Joe Olenickat (716) 439-9222, ext. 6241.
Local News
ERIE CANAL: Bikes can bring business to canal area
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
