2026 Advocacy Alert!
Advocacy Impact: Progress & Persistence.
Over the past twenty years, GROC has played an active role in shaping how off-road cycling is recognized, planned for, and supported throughout our region. From long-standing trail stewardship partnerships to municipal and county advocacy and expanding access on state-managed lands, these efforts continue to build momentum and visibility for the mountain biking community.
Recent Advocacy Wins & Tangible Progress
Monroe County – Trails for All Initiative
GROC continues working with Monroe County Parks and local legislators to move beyond trail studies and toward real trail development. Maintaining a visible, informed MTB presence remains essential to ensuring mountain biking is included in county recreation planning.
For more information: [info@mygroc.com]
Irondequoit Bay Area Trail User Study
The engineering study results were released in November and include recommendations that support expanded trail opportunities. Now is the time for community advocacy. Riders are encouraged to write to Parks Director Patrick Meredith and County Executive Adam Bello to show support for implementing these recommendations.
[https://www.mygroc.com/the-monroe-county-parks-irondequoit-bay-area-trail-user-study-recommendations-have-been-released-give-it-a-read-you-will-be-tested-on-it/]
For guidance: [info@mygroc.com] [countyexecutive@monroecounty.gov] [patrickmeredith@monroecounty.gov]
Dryer Road Park – Stewardship Continuity & Expansion
Since 2004, Dryer Road Park has served as a model of long-term MTB-focused stewardship thanks to GROC’s dedicated volunteer trail crew. New features—including skinnies, boardwalks, and drops—have been constructed with land manager approval, reinforcing the success of organized volunteer partnerships. Looking ahead, a revamped jumpline and a modern pump track are possible future enhancements. Community members are encouraged to join the conversation and support wheel-based recreation by attending the Victor Parks and Recreation Citizen Advisory Committee meetings, held on the fourth Monday of each month.
[https://www.townofvictorny.gov/146/Parks-Rec-Citizens-Advisory-Committee]
Ontario County Park – Regional Recognition
In 2025, Ontario County Park hosted the NY NICA Championship, validating the venue as a premier destination for youth mountain biking and strengthening collaboration between cycling groups and public land managers. GROC encourages continued support of local youth organizations that promote wheel-based recreation, including the Black Bears, RYCC, and ROOTZ.
[https://www.facebook.com/rocblackbears/]
[https://rochesteryouthcyclingclub.org/
[https://fullmoonvista.com/rootz/]
Shadow Pines (Penfield) – Multi-Use Trail Advancement
Since 2019, GROC and community involvement have helped position mountain biking as a compatible and valuable use within Penfield’s trail planning process. The project has become a regional example of professionally designed shared-use trails. With a Request for Proposals now issued for Phase 1 and 2 design services, future advocacy will be critical as Phase 3—focused on bicycle-specific trail components—comes before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Town Board.
Henrietta Pump Track – Grassroots Advocacy
In early 2025, a Henrietta resident began advocating for a pump track by presenting research and conceptual designs to the Henrietta Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. While the idea gained initial discussion, its priority has since declined according to meeting minutes. Community support is needed to keep this project alive. Please consider reaching out to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Parks Director Pam Grundman [pgrundman@henrietta.org] / 585-359-7055), the Town Supervisor, or members of the Henrietta Town Board.
[https://www.henriettany.gov/bc-prab/page/parks-and-recreation-advisory-board-agendas-minutes]
Northampton Park Trail Feasibility Study
Monroe County Parks initiated a feasibility study in October 2025, and community turnout was strong—thank you to everyone who participated. When recommendations are released in the coming months, public support will be critical to ensure bicycles are included as an approved trail use.
[https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-northamptontrailstudy]
For updates: [info@mygroc.com]
High Tor Wildlife Management Area (Naples)
GROC is supporting the Naples Trail Collective in its ongoing work with NYS DEC to responsibly expand trail access at High Tor WMA. Community members are invited to learn more at an informational gathering on March 7 from 4–6 p.m. at Hollerhorn in Naples.
Project details: [https://www.naplestrailco.org/master-trails-plan/]
Contact: [mat@naplestrailco.org] or [info@mygroc.com]
Trail Town USA – Perinton (Crescent Trail)
The Perinton COMMUNITY & GROC is tired of being tired and are actively challenging decades of bicycle exclusion on the Crescent Trail network, where longstanding opposition has cited erosion, user conflict, and easement concerns. Community frustration with these policies continues to grow, and local voices are urging town leadership to adopt modern shared-use trail solutions. Riders are encouraged to contact GROC, and Perinton Town officials to support responsible bicycle access and sustainable trail management. Something that is working in many towns across the US.
[https://perinton.gov/contact/]
Oatka Creek – Scottsville, NY
We’ve also recently been contacted by members of the Oatka Creek Park community who are interested in working with GROC to explore bicycle access within the park. With its generally level terrain, Oatka Creek offers an excellent opportunity for family-friendly riding and beginner experiences—similar to the role Whiting Road Park plays in Webster. In response, GROC submitted a formal letter of interest to Monroe County Parks requesting that the County consider expanding permitted trail uses to include bicycles.
We encourage members and supporters to help move this effort forward by writing a friendly note to Monroe County Parks Director Patrick Meredith and County Executive Adam Bello, requesting a trail feasibility study similar to the one conducted at Northampton Park in October 2025. Community input plays a critical role in initiating these studies and shaping future access decisions.
[info@mygroc.com] [countyexecutive@monroecounty.gov] [patrickmeredith@monroecounty.gov]
Together, these advocacy efforts are helping ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for off-road cycling across our region.