Routes Revised on Both Sides due to COVID Restrictions

Due to COVID Restrictions and safety issues the Pedal for Polio Committee has decided to start and end the two rides at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls NY and Niagara Falls Canada.

Bicyclists, donors, and sponsors will unite in America and Canada on both sides of the mighty Niagara River on October 24^th, 2020, known as World Polio Day.

US Route: The ride will begin and end on Saturday the 24^th, near the Aquarium and Discovery Center on the American side of the Falls.  The ride is scheduled to start at 10:00am with the US riders stopping at Academy Park in Lewiston to be greeted by Deputy Mayor Edyt to proclaim the day World Polio Day. The Rotary Clubs of Lewiston/NOTL and Grand Island will be providing snacks.

Canadian Route: On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls the cycling venture will begin and end at the Rainbow Bridge in the Duty Free parking lot.  There will be a staggered start with the first group starting at 10:30am and the second group starting at 11:00am.  The riders will be greeted by District Governor Frank Adamson at the Queenston Heights Park in Queenston for a proclamation from Lord Mayor and Rotarian Betty Disero and June Mergl. The Niagara on the Lake (NOTL) and Fonthill Rotary Clubs will be providing snacks.

The “Best of Friends” District Rotarians and community members will pedal for polio eradication with the assistance of sponsorships and donations. Following COVID-19 guidelines, the cycling event will be limited to two members from each of the Rotary District 7090 Clubs.

Rotary International, a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

More than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been vaccinated due to the valiant efforts of local and worldwide Rotary Clubs. At the present time, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating Polio. Rotarians will continue to fight against this debilitating and paralyzing disease until there are no new cases diagnosed, throughout the entire world.

Rotary District Governor Frank Adamson has challenged each Rotarian in the District to donate $50 and seek one additional donation of $50 from a friend, business, or family member.  The significant goal to raise $100,000 at this time and through October 24^th will result in a dollar for dollar matching contribution, by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Niagara River Greenway association is partnering with Rotary District 7090 to make this unique fundraiser a success.  Greenway’s mission is to create a world class trail and greenspace network that communities can be proud of and cherish for generations to come.

For more information on how to become a sponsor, donate money, or the Pedal for Polio international bicycling event, please contact District Governor Frank Adamson at 905-892-0200, or e-mail office@d7090.org, or visit https://rotary7090.org/Stories/pedal-for-polio