We extend a special thanks to Sandi Stowe, who has resigned after seven years as BBPC's Secretary. Sandy did for an excellent job keeping our minutes detailed and our records accurate. Marge Bannish has volunteered to be our new Secretary. Our other officers, Tom Galvagni, Vice President and Jeff Vincent, Treasurer, will continue in 2008.

Please share your ideas (info@berkshirebikepath.com) on how we can make this enewsletter more useful to you and help us by sharing it with your friends.

Marge Cohan 
President, Berkshire Bike Path Council           

Our Vision
The Berkshire Bike Path Council is working to create a border to border bikeway route of approximately 75 miles-utilizing railway corridors and related off-road bike paths where possible along with on-road bike lanes, extending from the Vermont border in Williamstown south through North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Lanesboro, Pittsfield, Lenox, with further exploration needed for defining routes through Stockbridge, Lee, Great Barrington and Sheffield to the Connecticut border. This primary north-south route will serve as the central spine for secondary connections with diverse destinations, including schools, businesses, community centers, transportation links, recreational opportunities and other points of interest.

Moving Forward: Berkshire Bike Plan
One of our primary activities for 2008 is supporting the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's development of a regional bike plan. The key goals are to forge a common vision among local communities for a regional bikeway system and to provide a realistic strategy for its design and construction. In cooperation with local communities and the National Park Service, Berkshire Bike Path Council will be doing our part in this exciting regional effort. Stay tuned for future newsletters which will provide updates on the development of the plan.

National Park Service Assistance in 2008
Moving forward will get a boost this year with a grant of technical assistance from the National Park Service. From a competitive field of applicants, Berkshire Bike Path Council was one of only ten new projects accepted in the Northeast Region in 2008. "The National Park Service is proud to support such capable partners and eager to help contribute to the Berkshire's network of trails and greenways," said Steve Golden, National Park Service Rivers & Trails Program Manager.

Upcoming Events
Watch this space for Berkshire Bike Path meetings and happenings.In the meantime, we suggest you also visit the Berkshire Cycle Association for information about organized group rides. (www.berkshirecycling.org)