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lmost 200 years ago, the opening of the Erie Canal provided an economic opportunity for canalside communities to offer lodging, food and other services those traveling along the waterway.
Today, a similar opportunity could exist in offering services to bicycle tourists on the Erie Canalway Trail, a multi-use trail that follows the path of the Erie Canal.
Attendees at Thursday night’s meeting sponsored by C.A.R.E. (Citizen Advocates for Revitalization Efforts) and organized by Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation needed little convincing of the potential.
“Bicyclists bring business. I think everyone knows that intuitively,” said Robin Dropkin, a presenter from Parks & Trails New York.
And, Dropkin said, the tourism dollars cyclists represent are significant: The average cycling tourist comes from a higher income household, is well-educated, and spends between $150 to $300 per day while on vacation.
“The longer the route, the longer people will travel to get there,” Dropkin said.
And in turn, the more money they will spend. The average day-tripper spends four times what a local bicyclist spends. On a multi-day trip, a cyclist spends twice that of a day-tripper.
Dropkin and the business owners, local officials and residents discussed how to market to and profit from bicycle tourists.
They discussed how to address local gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail. Consistent trail extends to the east of Little Falls, however, gaps do exist to the west.
Experienced cyclists weighed in on what makes a city seem bicycle friendly — from easily accessible facilities to readily available information about where to eat and what to see.
An experienced bicyclist with over 60,000 miles ridden, 56-year-old Gary Cartier, of Middleville, said he “absolutely” sees potential for the area to become a popular destination for bikers.
“I think the biggest thing is it has to be accessible. It has to be accessible. If it’s not, it makes it really tough,” he said.
The biggest challenge in that potential being transformed into a reality is funding, said Matt VanSlyke, senior planner for Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study.
“Portions of the trail have been designed in our area,” VanSlyke said, adding construction cannot begin until funding is secured.
In other portions, he said, there are right-of-way issues where construction would need to take place.
VanSlyke suggested those who are interested in the Erie Canal Trailway and want gaps in the trail closed contact their representatives.
He also recommended getting involved personally — a local group has formed to facilitate the development of the trail and the closure of the gap areas. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CNYErieCanalwayTrailblazers.
lmost 200 years ago, the opening of the Erie Canal provided an economic opportunity for canalside communities to offer lodging, food and other services those traveling along the waterway.
Today, a similar opportunity could exist in offering services to bicycle tourists on the Erie Canalway Trail, a multi-use trail that follows the path of the Erie Canal.
Attendees at Thursday night’s meeting sponsored by C.A.R.E. (Citizen Advocates for Revitalization Efforts) and organized by Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation needed little convincing of the potential.
“Bicyclists bring business. I think everyone knows that intuitively,” said Robin Dropkin, a presenter from Parks & Trails New York.
And, Dropkin said, the tourism dollars cyclists represent are significant: The average cycling tourist comes from a higher income household, is well-educated, and spends between $150 to $300 per day while on vacation.
“The longer the route, the longer people will travel to get there,” Dropkin said.
And in turn, the more money they will spend. The average day-tripper spends four times what a local bicyclist spends. On a multi-day trip, a cyclist spends twice that of a day-tripper.
Dropkin and the business owners, local officials and residents discussed how to market to and profit from bicycle tourists.
They discussed how to address local gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail. Consistent trail extends to the east of Little Falls, however, gaps do exist to the west.
Experienced cyclists weighed in on what makes a city seem bicycle friendly — from easily accessible facilities to readily available information about where to eat and what to see.
An experienced bicyclist with over 60,000 miles ridden, 56-year-old Gary Cartier, of Middleville, said he “absolutely” sees potential for the area to become a popular destination for bikers.
“I think the biggest thing is it has to be accessible. It has to be accessible. If it’s not, it makes it really tough,” he said.
The biggest challenge in that potential being transformed into a reality is funding, said Matt VanSlyke, senior planner for Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study.
“Portions of the trail have been designed in our area,” VanSlyke said, adding construction cannot begin until funding is secured.
In other portions, he said, there are right-of-way issues where construction would need to take place.
VanSlyke suggested those who are interested in the Erie Canal Trailway and want gaps in the trail closed contact their representatives.
He also recommended getting involved personally — a local group has formed to facilitate the development of the trail and the closure of the gap areas. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CNYErieCanalwayTrailblazers.
