Congratulations to the sixteen newest members of the Bike Friendly NY business community!
Each of these businesses has recognized the power of bike tourism and has committed to going above and beyond to meet the needs of cyclists. From bike shops that offer trail rescue (shout-out to eBike315 in Newark), hotels that let you bring your bike to your room (looking at you Hampton Inn and Suites Rome) and restaurants that would love nothing more than to share their Erie Canal heritage (Durhamville’s Erie Canal Golf Course), we are happy to recognize these establishments for the work they are doing to make the Erie Canal corridor an even better destination for cyclists.
Check out the newest additions to our Bike Friendly New York business network, listed from west to east along the trail. Learn more about the program at ptny.org/bfny.
Lockport – 2023 Empire State Trail Town
Windsor Village Shoppes (Retail)
Windsor Village is your Western Gateway to the City of Lockport. They have a scheduled Bike Mechanic pop up shop along with shop and ship convenience from their collection of artisan and start up shops, as well as travel necessities. You will also find local maps of interest and history tales from their 1825 canal stone building. Throughout the summer months they partner with local charities for music in our grove and other outdoor events.
Medina
Author’s Note: A Book Store (Retail)
Author’s Note is an independent bookstore located in historic downtown Medina, right on the Erie Canal, and owned by NYT Bestselling author Julie Berry. They offer new books, puzzles, toys, and gifts for all ages. They ship books and puzzles to US addresses free of charge, and can ship other items for a shipping cost. Free wifi is provided, and they’re happy to charge devices for you. Bike parking is available in front of the store and in the public parking lot behind the store.
Brockport – 2022 Empire State Trail Town
Bike Zone Brockport (Bike Shop)
Bike Zone is a locally owned and operated bike shop for the past 25 years. They have a full service center and sales along Main St in Brockport.
In order to be certified, bike shops have to go above and beyond a normal bike shop. To satisfy this requirement, Bike Zone offers bicycle packing and shipping services for cyclists that want to start or end their adventure in Brockport.
Spencerport
Erie Canal Waterside Pub at Arrowhead Golf Course and Marina (Food & Drink)
Located on the Arrowhead Golf Course & Marina campus, the Erie Canal Waterside Pub serves a variety of delicious food for lunch and dinner. Eat in the clubhouse and enjoy the full bar, or enjoy canalside seating on our patio along the marina. They are just a quick ride over the Gallup Rd. Bridge from the Erie Canalway Trail.
Newark – 2023 Empire State Trail Town
Ebike315 (Bike Shop)
Ebike315 is located at 210 N Main St Newark NY. They are a locally owned and operated small business. The owners opened ebike315 this past spring and although they specialize in e-bike sales and services, they try to keep a wide verity of tubes and accessories that are compatible with all bikes.
Ebike315 even offers trail rescue service in the Newark/Palmyra area. They’ll come help you out if you’re in a pinch!
Clyde
SOAR – Strengthening Our Area Residents (Information Services)
Find SOAR‘s office on Glasgow Street (Main Street) in Clyde as you travel along the Empire State Trail. Stop in to rest and re-charge yourself and your phone. Use the wifi, refill your water bottle, use the restroom, or take a snack for the road! They would love to hear your story as well as share with you all that the Clyde-Savannah area has to offer. Their office is open Tuesday-Thursday 9am-2pm. Look for the red “Open” flag blowing in the breeze or knock on the door- someone might just be there!
Durhamville
Old Erie Golf Club (Food & Drink)
Old Erie Golf Club is located .5 miles off of the Erie Canal in Durhamville. They offer an excellent beer selection (3-4 NA Beers as well!), soft drinks (gatorade, soda, energy drinks), and snacks. They also serve food most evenings and have a great patio to sit on and enjoy the sites and sounds of the golf course. The clubhouse is home to some really cool pictures and memorabilia from the canal, and they love to talk about their local family connection to the Erie Canal. Stop in and relax before continuing your journey on the Erie Canal!
Rome – 2023 Empire State Trail Town
Rome Sports Hall of Fame & Museum (Attraction)
Rome is home to the only Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in New York State. They have over 50 plus displays of sports artifacts plus an original Richie Evans #61 race car and a car on loan from Nascar Modified Champion Jerry Cook. Air conditioning and a handicap accessible bathroom makes this a great stop if you’re out on a hot day!
JoJo’s Market (Food & Drink)
Located at 601 W.Dominick St., JoJo’s Market is a cyclist-friendly convenience store. They have a bike rack, public bathroom, water refill station, tables and chairs in and outside. Serving a full deli menu, snacks and beverages, JoJo’s is the perfect stop to refuel.
Franca’s Wine Room (Food & Drink)
Enjoy world class wines, craft beers, hand crafted charcuterie boards, and pub fare while listening to soothing jazz at Franca’s Wine Room.
Fort Stanwix National Monument (Attraction)
Fort Stanwix National Monument is a National Park Service unit designated in 1935 to preserve the location, resources, and stories associated with the military, political, and cultural events that occurred at or around the site of the Fort. The Revolutionary War Fort is where American Forces and Oneida Indians defeated the British and negotiated major US treaties with the Iroquois/Haudenosaunee people. Located in downtown Rome at the intersection of James St./Dominic St./Erie Blvd/Black River Blvd, the park serves as the hub of the Rome trail system network (Empire State Trail, Mohawk River Trail, Black River Trail and North Country Trail). The park’s visitor center provides trail information, restrooms, water bottle refill station and bike racks. A bike repair, air kit, and Ebike charging stations are being installed in late summer 2023.
Jervis Public Library (Welcome and Information Services)
Serving the city of Rome and the surrounding communities, this library provides the traditional you would expect as well as WiFi, charging stations, scan/copy/fax, public computers, comfortable chairs, an ongoing book sale, and a wide array of programs–all free of charge. They’ve got bike parking at all the main entrances, so you won’t be stuck searching for a place to lock up.
Spressos Coffee House (Food & Drink)
Located on the beautiful Griffiss Park, you will find trails, a sculpture park, a Vietnam Memorial, and an actual B52 bomber plane. Right in the middle of it all is Spressos Cafe, opened in 2005 and family-owned, they’ve got homemade pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and a full line of coffee house drinks, teas, & smoothies, A perfect stop along your ride!
Hampton Inn & Suites Rome (Accommodation)
Located along the Mohawk River Trail, just a short ride away from the Erie Canalway Trail, Hampton Inn & Suites Rome has an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, barbecue grills, and a vending machine.
You can either bring your bike to your room or store it on the main level in a bike storage room. A hose and other basic cleaning materials are available to clean your bike after a dusty day on the trail.
Franklin Hotel (Food & Drink)
Vescio’s Franklin Hotel is a family owned and operated restaurant that’s been a local staple since 1972. By using the best ingredients and making everything in house, they ensure our food always tastes delicious. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you should check out the dessert case, filled with cannolis and other Italian favorites! You’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Rosie’s Oriskany Diner (Food & Drink)
Friendly home style food made from scratch. Rosie’s is right off the trail, and is a hot spot for locals. Bikes can be parked and locked to the fence of the outside patio.
Canalway Trail Times 