Advocate Travels Erie Canalway Trail to Promote Accessibility
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A significant 360-mile journey through New York is allowing advocate Ian Mackay to showcase how thoughtful design can enhance outdoor accessibility for all. Traveling from Albany to Buffalo in a power wheelchair controlled by air, Mackay, who is paralyzed from the neck down, is raising awareness about the importance of infrastructure that accommodates diverse abilities.
Mackay was injured in a bicycle accident in 2008, which left him paralyzed. He gradually resumed outdoor activities, beginning with short distances and gradually gaining confidence for longer trips. His previous experience includes crossing Washington State in 2016, which evolved from a personal adventure into a mission to highlight accessible outdoor experiences.
As the founder of Ian’s Ride, Mackay emphasizes that minor details can significantly affect trail accessibility for wheelchair users. Issues like uncut curbs, unclear detour signs, and tree roots can pose considerable challenges. “Even small bumps can make a trail difficult to navigate,” he noted, stressing the need for thoughtful design in outdoor spaces.
While Mackay has appreciated much of New York’s trail system, he has also faced tricky detours and signage issues. He was joined by Ben Walsh, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, who noted that understanding Mackay’s perspective can drive improvements in trail design.
Efforts are ongoing to enhance trail accessibility, moving sections away from roads and making them more user-friendly. Mackay advocates for a broader definition of accessibility, stating that it should encompass everyone—from parents with strollers to older adults using wheelchairs.
Mackay encourages all to embrace outdoor activities, recommending starting small rather than fixating on distance. For those in Central New York seeking accessible recreation, Onondaga Lake Park features the Wegmans Playground, designed for diverse abilities, while Green Lakes State Park offers an all-terrain wheelchair for rental.
To keep up with Mackay’s journey along the Erie Canal, updates can be followed on his blog.
