
A Guide for Attracting Bicyclists to New York’s Canal Communities
Imagine… dozens of weary but happy bicyclists arriving at the edge of your community on a summer afternoon, all of them hungry and thirsty, some intending to stay the night, and most eager to explore your canal community, to experience its history and uniqueness. Imagine, too, that these self-propelled tourists later go home and tell family members, friends, co-workers, and other bicyclists about their wonderful visit.
Do you see economic opportunity here? Of course! To some degree this opportunity already has become reality along New York’s historic Canal System and especially the Erie Canalway Trail. But the potential economic benefit to your community or business from touring bicyclists can be much greater if you actively welcome this relatively new kind of visitor.
2022 CDT Small Business Survey
posted Feb 14, 2023
From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.
posted Apr 11, 2022
Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.
Deciding on Trails: 7 Practices of Healthy Trail Towns
posted Jan 25, 2022
A book review of Amy Camp's 2020 book of ideas to help fulfill dreams of developing a trail town program.
Five Iconic Trails Under 50 Miles
posted Feb 15, 2021
A trail need not be over 100 miles in length to become a travel destination. Plenty of people desire shorter trail experiences and are willing to design a trip around them just the same.