By the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group
On Sunday August 7th, the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group hosted the Champlain Canalway Cycling Carnival, a bicycle safety event for children and their families. The event was held at Hudson Crossing Park along the Champlain Canalway Trail in Schuylerville, NY.
The goals were to educate children and their parents about how to properly fit and wear helmets, to learn basic bicycle maintenance and to understand the rules of the roads and trail for bicyclists. By using small traffic cones, a simulated course was created that participants could practice their skills.
Thanks to a generous donation from Jim Nolan of Greenwich, NY and a grant from Capital District Transportation Council’s Capital Coexist Program, helmets were purchased at cost for participants through Adirondack Ultra Cycling in Schuylerville and Evergreen Bicycle Works in Fort Edward. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Bicycle Patrol Unit also assisted with helmets for residents of Saratoga County under the age of 14. Thanks to members of the CCTWG and community volunteers, the event was well staffed.
The weather that weekend was sunny and blisteringly hot which seemed to soften attendance somewhat. Undeterred, the CCTWG is supplied with helmets and enthusiasm and is looking forward to an improved event next year.
Canalway Trail Times 