Man who is paralyzed plans 360-mile ride along towpath on power wheelchair
Ian Mackay wants to show what’s possible for wheelchair users with accessible outdoor infrastructure; Trip goes through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28
Provided photo: Ian Mackay will use mouth-controlled power wheelchair to travel the Erie Canal towpath. He is scheduled to pass through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28.
Press Release, Ian’s Ride
ALBANY TO BUFFALO – Ian Mackay, who is paralyzed from the neck down, will take on his next Big Ride, traveling 360 miles along New York’s historic Erie Canalway Trail in his power wheelchair Sept. 20-28.
The ride from Albany to Buffalo will highlight what’s possible for wheelchair users when accessible infrastructure makes outdoor recreation more inclusive. Mackay, founder and executive director of Ian’s Ride, a Port Angeles, Washington-based nonprofit, will travel through communities along the historic canal, drawing attention to the importance of accessible trails and the opportunities they create for people with mobility disabilities.
Following the ride will be the premiere of Good Moment, a feature-length documentary chronicling Mackay’s world-record ride in a mouth-controlled power wheelchair. The film explores Mackay’s determination, his relationship with the outdoors and the role of community and adaptive technology in making adventures like this possible.
“This is an opportunity to show what’s possible when people have access to the outdoors,” Mackay said. “The Erie Canalway Trail is an incredible piece of American history, and I’m excited to experience it with my friends, meet people along the way and continue pushing for trails that everyone can enjoy.”
The Erie Canalway Trail adventure builds on a series of long-distance rides that began in 2016, when Mackay crossed Washington state in his power wheelchair. Those experiences inspired the creation of Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities.
Highlighting the importance of accessible infrastructure
The Erie Canalway Trail offers Mackay an opportunity to demonstrate how accessible public spaces can expand opportunities for people with disabilities to explore the outdoors, connect with communities and experience the history and beauty of their surroundings.
Kim Ridley, New York state chief disability officer, said the journey underscores the importance of inclusive outdoor environments.
“New York state is committed to building an inclusive outdoor environment where every individual, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty and history of our state,” Ridley said. “Ian’s 370-mile journey along the historic Erie Canalway Trail highlights the critical importance of accessible public trails, recreational infrastructure, and community connection.”
Ridley said Mackay’s ride demonstrates how universal design and outdoor accessibility can create transformative experiences for residents and visitors of all abilities.
“We are proud to welcome Ian’s Ride to the Empire State and look forward to continuing our work toward a fully accessible New York,” she said.
New York State Canal Corp. Director Ben Walsh said the corporation shares Mackay’s commitment to expanding accessible outdoor recreation.
“We are proud to welcome Ian to the Erie Canalway Trail,” Walsh said. “Like Ian, we are on a mission to increase accessibility and promote accessible outdoor recreation, so we are thrilled to support him on his journey.”
Walsh encouraged people to join Mackay on the trail, adding that he looks forward to riding alongside him.
Rails to Trails Conservancy also is supporting the journey. Brandi Horton, the organization’s vice president of communications, said Ian’s Ride demonstrates how trails connect people to opportunities and bring communities together.
“When Ian and his team set out to tackle a trail ride, they prove the power of trails to build community, inviting partners like us to be part of the journey and introducing the importance of accessible outdoor recreation all along the way,” Horton said.
“The impact that Ian’s Ride delivers is invaluable, making clear that having safe ways to be active outside is not nice to have — it’s essential,” she said.
United Spinal Association, which advocates for people with mobility-related disabilities, also will support Mackay’s efforts to expand access to trails and parks.
“United Spinal Association is proud to support Ian’s Ride in its critical effort to open up the great outdoors to people of all abilities,” said Matt Castelluccio, the organization’s CEO. “Like Ian’s Ride, United Spinal Association is committed to helping people with mobility-related disabilities live their lives to the fullest.”
Castelluccio said the organization will continue working alongside Mackay to expand access to America’s trails and parks.
Join Ian on the trail
The Erie Canalway Trail ride is an opportunity for people to experience the trail alongside Mackay and learn more about the role accessible infrastructure plays in making outdoor recreation possible.
Community members and media are encouraged to join the ride for a portion of the journey, meet the group along the route and follow updates from the trail.
For more information about the ride, its itinerary and opportunities to participate, visit iansride.com/ride-the-erie.
About Ian’s Ride
Ian’s Ride is a Washington State-based nonprofit founded by Ian Mackay in 2016. The organization works to make the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities through inclusive rides, community partnerships and advocacy for accessible outdoor recreation.
The schedule includes:
- Day One (Explore NYC): Saturday, Sept. 19 – Battery Park, NYC → Elmsford for 28 miles
- Day Two (Start the Erie): Sunday, Sept. 20 – Albany/Waterford → Amsterdam for 47 miles
- Day Three: Monday, Sept. 21 – Amsterdam → Little Falls for 39 miles
- Day Four: Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Little Falls → Rome for 40 miles
- Day Five: Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Rome → Syracuse for 45 miles
- Day Six: Thursday, Sept. 24 – Syracuse → Weedsport for 26 miles
- Day Seven: Friday, Sept. 25 – Weedsport → Newark for 33 miles
- Day Eight: Saturday, Sept. 26 – Newark → Rochester for 34 miles
- Day Nine: Sunday, Sept. 27 – Rochester → Albion for 34 miles
- Day Ten: Monday, Sept. 28 – Albion → Buffalo for 46 miles
