Man paralyzed from the neck down is rolling 351 miles along the Erie Canal to prove accessibility matters
Man paralyzed from the neck down is rolling 351 miles along the Erie Canal to prove accessibility matters NEWARK, N.Y. — Ian Mackay is traveling 351 miles in his wheelchair along the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo to highlight the importance of accessibility in nature. Mackay, who is paralyzed from the neck down, has not let his disability stop him from exploring the outdoors. News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski spoke with him on his stop in Newark about his journey and why he is passionate about accessible infrastructure. Origins of the ride “I was riding my bike and I went a little bit too fast and hit a tree and broke my neck. But sitting in that hospital bed, you’re thinking about what the heck is the rest of my life going to look like? And, I wish I knew that, you know, what I’d be doing now,” Mackay said. The accident happened in 2008 and left Mackay in a deep depression for years. But in 2016, he began taking long trips in his wheelchair, starting with bike paths across Washington state. Since then, he has completed six other similar trips across the country, and organized the nonprofit Ian’s Ride, to promote accessibility in the wilderness. “You know, what I was doing for fun was clearly showing others what was was possible and showing how important accessible infrastructure is,” Mackay said. Inspiring others John Crockett, a disabled man from Newark, met Mackay at the Runaway Blue brewhouse, where Mackay was stopped for dinner. While the two had never met before, Crocket says it’s moving to see someone like him doing what Mackay does. “You know it’s just inspiring to see. [It] means that I can do just as much,” Crockett said. “Making an impact is wonderful. But just being able to live my best life and being able to do it with close friends and, being able to explore our nation and in a really fun way. And it just happens to be on wheels,” Mackay said. When asked about the accessibility of the Erie Canal, Mackay said, “It’s accessible for all. If I, a quadriplegic can do it, so can you.” Mackay planned to stop at Strange Bird Brewhouse in Rochester on Saturday before continuing to Buffalo, where he is expected to arrive Monday.