Spotlight: Lenox Multi-Use Trail
The bikeway vision in Lenox is a 7.75-mile bikeway route that includes both on-road and multi-use trail segments in a generally north-south alignment from Pittsfield to Lee. The identified route (see map) traverses a mix of public and private land and features links with the Housatonic River pedestrian bridge at Woods Pond, Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, Eastover Resort, Blantyre Resort, Cranwell Resort, Seven Hills Resort, and Canyon Ranch Resort.

The first part of the trail to be developed will likely be a 4,700-foot section alongside Housatonic Street and East Street from the Lenox Memorial Middle and High School to Woods Pond. The Town has completed survey work, secured wetland permits and is now working with MassHighway on finalizing the design. Construction of the full 1.5 miles from the High School to Woods Pond is anticipated in 2010.

The second part, a 1.5-mile section north of Housatonic Street to Eastover Resort is entirely on town land and could possibly be constructed as early as 2010 with the completion of design and permitting. The remaining parts of the route include a 2.5 mile section that will continue the trail north of the Eastover Resort to New Lenox Road where a connection with the City of Pittsfield will be determined and a 3.6 mile section south of Housatonic Street to Lee's town line. Design is not complete for these sections, but the Town plans to design these segments in phases, and anticipates having the full route ready for construction by 2012.

The Lenox approach to bikeway route planning combines vision and pragmatism. According to Jeff Vincent, Director of Public Works, "Our goal is a route that balances connectivity with schools and recreation areas and other key destinations with the practicality of using lands and rights-of-way that are already in public ownership. As a DPW Director, I feel people in my position are perfectly positioned to help with bikeway development by virtue of their involvement with the physical aspects of their communities. We are already involved with many of the planning agencies and funding sources that bikeway development relies on, so we can be facilitators for the process." Jeff Vincent is also Treasurer and Board Member of Berkshire Bike Path Council.

Upcoming Events  May is National Bike Month
To learn more about National Bike-to-Work Week visit the League of American Bicyclists

May 12-18 Southern Berkshire Bike Week
Community events for south Berkshire County Bike to Work have been announced by Southern Berkshire Bike Week and Berkshire Bike and Board. The goals of Bike Week are to educate the community that bicycles are an effective and healthy alternative to driving; provide useful information to potential bicycle commuters; encourage riding bikes for commuting and transportation; and increase awareness and respect for bicyclists.
To learn more go to Southern Berkshire Bike Week and Berkshire Bike and Board.

May 17, Ashuwillticook Trail Stewardship
Join volunteers on Park Serve Day, a statewide effort sponsored by DCR to encourage park visitors to become environmental stewards, for a variety of trail stewardship projects on the Ashuwillticook. Contact Becky Barnes (413-499-7003) for information.

Coming in June: Spotlight on the Mohawk Trail
For more information, visit us at http://www.berkshirebikepath.com