In 2010, a small group of avid bicyclists joined together to advocate for safe and quality bicycling. By March, 2011, Adirondack Cycling Advocates was successfully incorporated as non-profit corporation; obtained 501(c)(3) status; recognized by the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
Since inception, Adirondack Cycling Advocates has worked collaboratively with NYS, Warren County and several municipalities to advocate for on-road and off-road repair and expansion throughout Warren County. A letter-writing campaign, started last year, sent a direct request to NYS politicians and DPW directors to include funding in the budget to repair many of the crumbling state roads throughout Warren County. Adirondack Cycling Advocates meets each year with county and local DPW departments to recommend roads in need of repair and to suggest Warren County Bikeway improvements. Installation of safety/directional signage is in the works for the Bikeway and many area roads. Collaboration with NYBC and IMBA to advocate for safe bicycling on roads and trails is ongoing.
Adirondack Cycling Advocates provided active support for construction of the Rush Pond Way. The Rush Pond area is also seeing a major expansion with the construction of a looped section of single-track trails that will connect to the extensive Gurney Lane Trails to form the 50 km. Gurney Lane-Rush Pond Bike Trail Corridor. A comprehensive connector path system, currently being constructed in several phases, will join the Warren County Bikeway to the Feeder Dam Canal Trails, and ultimately to the Champlain Canalway Trail. Construction of the Half-way Brook section will be completed this summer. provided funding for the signage on the Halfway Brook Trail, and the design and construction of the Rush Pond single-track trails. The next phase of construction from Peggy Ann Road to Old Forge Road is in the initial planning stage. Adirondack Cycling Advocates supports UHRT’s “Rails to Trails” project to convert the existing rail line to a multi-use trail.
Each year Adirondack Cycling Advocates has sponsored Summer Bike Rides to educate bicyclists of all levels about safe riding. The successful Harry Elkes Ride, held every September is Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s feature ride. This year, the 7th Annual Harry Elkes Ride will be held on Saturday, September 26th. Riders start from The Hub in Brant Lake and are able to choose from three rides to fit their level of ability and enjoyment. The Cycle Challenge is now in its 5th year and offers the chance for bicyclists to experience a variety of both on-road and of-road rides throughout the scenic Southern Adirondack Region.
Adirondack Cycling Advocates provided volunteer assistance for Bicycle Safety Rodeos sponsored by the Cooperative Extension elementary students in local schools.
Adirondack Cycling Advocates rents booth space for our professionally -designed kiosk at three expositions to gain awareness of Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s advocacy, to provide educational materials to encourage following safe bicycling practices, and to promote bicycling opportunities in Warren County.
An essential part of Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s mission is to promote Warren County as a “Destination for Bicyclists”. Earlier publications included: North Warren Brochure, first Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s Brochure, and Warren County Bike Rides Maps. Current publications include: Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s Cycling Guide and Maps and Mountain Biking and Off Road Trails in Warren County, New York. Adirondack Cycling Advocates worked closely with A/GFTC to write the first Warren County Bicycling Route Master Plan. A second Master Plan was published last year.
Each year articles, press releases, and “spot ads” are sent to local newspapers to promote bicycling and bicycling safety. Promotional materials are distributed to encourage safe bicycling practices.
https://www.adkcyclingadvocates.org/ the Adirondack Cycling Advocate’s website was created to disseminate bicycling information, promote bicycling safety and advocate for bicycling in Warren County.
