External Link Disclaimer The links below are provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval by GTC. As such, GTC cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by these links or any other linked site.
The Injury Free Coalition for Kids centered at the University of Rochester Medical Center has developed "Keep Riding - Bike Safely" brochures in English, Nepali, Spanish, Somali, and Arabic, with more translations under development, as a guide to safe bike riding. Please note that the brochures are in the public domain and may be freely downloaded and distributed as long as no changes are made to the text or graphics and they are distributed free of charge.
The Genesee Region Trails Coalition, currently hosted at the Victor Hiking Trails website at http://victorhikingtrails.org/grtc, has many links to area trail organization's websites where more detailed information can be found.
The Rochester Bicycling Club website at www.rochesterbicyclingclub.com provides information on riding opportunities in the area for all ages and abilities; including an extensive ride calendar (on-road, trail, and mountain bike rides) and other bicycling-related activities (volunteer opportunities, etc.).
Local outdoor writers Rich & Sue Freeman have several books on bicycling and hiking in the Rochester-Genesee-Finger Lakes area. They are available at area libraries or for purchase at local bike shops and bookstores as well as on-line at www.footprintpress.com. A free "Inn to Inn Touring along the Erie Canalway Trail" brochure can be downloaded from the Footprint Press website at: www.footprintpress.com/BikingBooksRightSide.htm
Local cyclist and author Harvey Botzman has written numerous bicycle-touring books, including touring along the Canalway Trail, around Lake Ontario, and around the Finger Lakes. Books include information on riding difficulty, how/what to pack, lodging/food stops, etc. They are available for purchase at local bike shops and bookstores as well as on-line at www.cyclotour.com.
Information on the statewide Canalway Trail system, including the Canalway Trail along the Erie Canal and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, can be found on the New York State Canal Corporations website at: www.canals.ny.gov/trails/index.html
Parks & Trails New York maintains a website at www.ptny.org. PTNY co-sponsors an annual end-to-end Canalway Trail tour with the Canal Corporation and also provides statewide trail information on its site. PTNY also recently published the Erie Canalway Trail Guide, a 136-page travel-sized book for local and long-distance Canalway Trail trips. The Guide includes 42 color maps and is $14.95 the Guide can be purchased at some local bicycle shops and from PTNY directly (518-434-1583).
The NYS Parks and Recreation Department maintains a website at www.nysparks.com with information on all state parks, facilities, and available activities. There are several parks with mountain biking opportunities; however, these are all outside of the Rochester metro area (in the Finger Lakes).
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) maintains a website at www.dec.ny.gov that includes information on DEC management areas, many of which are open for hiking, bicycling, and other recreational activities.
For general tourism information, contact the Greater Rochester Visitors Association at www.visitrochester.com or at 1-800-677-7282.