This was one of the main points by Jim Sayer, ED of Adventure Cycling, during his talk in Saratoga Springs on 1/26/15. As is his custom, Jim was taking a swing through part of the US to drum up bicycle touring but also, of course, to promote Adventure Cycling as the lead bicycle touring organization in the US and as an international leader. He highlighted the many different types of tours offered ranging from van supported, inn-to-inn, family fun, and self contained.
Jim covered the Adventure Cycling program and urged attendees to support their local advocacy group – League of American Bicyclists, New York Bicycling Coalition, Albany Bicycle Coalition, Parks & Trails New York, Bike Toga, and so on. He made a big push for the United States Bike Route System which, when realized, will be the world’s largest. An audience of about 50-60, including at least 6 ABC members, also heard about touring initiatives and routes around the world and in Canada.
One of the major points raised – and of interest to local advocates for the Erie Canalway Trail “close the gap” push, the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming/Protected Bicycle Lanes initiative, and the multi-sponsor South End Bikeway Link was the many economic impact studies that demonstrate how bicycle tourism generates BILLIONS in states like Oregon, Montana, Michigan, and Arizona.
Jim’s enthusiastic presentation and the programs he described were quite inspirational. We were all grateful to Bike Toga for hosting the event including a nice spread of beverages, fruits, and snacks.
Albany Bicycle Coalition 