Marge Cohan, President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

p.s. March is a good time for bicycle tune-ups: Berkshire County Bicycle Shops

Moving Forward: Another mile for the Ashuwillticook Trail in Adams
In Adams, the Ashuwillticook Trail will be extended north 1.2 miles, from Hoosic Street to Lime Street. The project originated with two bikeway planning studies jointly funded by Adams and North Adams and a DCR Greenways and Trails Grant. The first study, by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, identified and analyzed alternate bicycle routes connecting Adams and North Adams. The second study, by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), followed up with a more detailed study of the preferred route. The Ashuwilliticook Trail extension represents the first phase in a bicycle route that will ultimately connect Adams and North Adams. 

MassHighway District 1 Office is managing the development of the Adams extension, with the goal of completing 25% design by the end of the year and beginning construction in 2009. It is also working with the Town of Adams on right-of-way acquisition. The development of the remaining segment is in the planning stage; the next step is to identify a preferred route and seek funding for preliminary design.

Increasing Smileage in Adams: Ashuwillticook Everyday
Since its opening in 2001, the Ashuwilliticook Trail has become integral to improving the quality of life and to increasing walkability in Adams. For students at the Berkshire Arts & Technology School (BArT) in Adams, the trail provides daily access not only to recreation fields, but connects them to nature and the outdoors. According to Heather Linscott, a BArT School teacher, "There are many ways we use the trail in our curriculum in such subjects as Fitness, Science and Math. BArT also uses the trail for a biking Exploration Class where the students learn bike path etiquette and enjoy the Spring and Fall seasons on the trail."