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Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                        

August 2008 Update

 

More than Recreation

This month's focus is bicycle facility planning in Pittsfield, arguably the region's most critical link in our evolving bicycle transportation network, especially for commuters. With help from an earmark in the state's new transportation bond bill, (recently passed by the House-see article) the Ashuwillticook Trail could potentially get a much needed boost to extend the Trail south into Pittsfield. The proposed funding is for a feasibility study exploring a extension from the Trail's current southern terminus near the Berkshire Mall to Crane Avenue, about 1.5 miles south. We appreciate the support of State Representative Guyer and Senator Downing in expanding community access to this wonderful trail.

 
Marge Cohan

President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

shaun wiegand
Shaun Weigand commutes 5 miles from Pittsfield to Crane & Co. in Dalton

Spotlight                                                                                                                                 

Pittsfield Bike Path


The City of Pittsfield has been active in advancing community bike path planning over the past several years. The main goal is to connect a main stem trail running south from the terminus of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail near the Berkshire Mall to the proposed Lenox trail (see maps). In addition to the main stem, it is envisioned that 'spur trails' will connect important city features (William Stanley Business Park, East Street Softball Complex, city parks and schools, etc.) to the main trail. Community involvement in any bike path planning is critical, and the city intends to advance bike path planning thoughtfully and with consensus.

Given the many challenges of bicycle path planning through Pittsfield's complex urban fabric, the City has divided the task into three discrete planning areas to accomplish the overall goal: 1) Ashuwillticook Trail to Merrill Road; 2) Merrill Road to Elm Street/Williams Street; and 3) Williams Street to New Lenox Road (see Pittsfield Bike and Pedestrian Plan) These projects are being supported by a variety of funding sources, including MassHighway and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

According to Jim McGrath, Program Manager for the Pittsfield Department of Park, Open Space, and Natural Resources, "We are keenly aware of our strategic role in the success of a regional bikeway network for the Berkshires and, as such, the primary focus of our efforts is bringing the Ashuwillticook Trail into and through Pittsfield. We are also focused on improving conditions for bicycling within the city and are making steady progress toward both goals."


 
Bike Trails Count!                                                                                                   


Volunteers Needed for September!

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is continuing its program to count trail users on the Ashuwillticook Trail and we need volunteers! The data will be used to understand what types of activities people most enjoy while using the trail and will help to build a foundation for predicting future use. Most importantly, the data will also be used to advocate for greater trail development. More than 1100 one-way trips were counted on Sunday, May 4th and 510 were counted on Tuesday, May 6th.
 
To volunteer for a two-hour shift on Saturday, September 6, anytime between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, or Tuesday, September 9, from 7:30-9:30 AM or from 4:30-6:30 PM, please call (413-442-1521 x 16) email Christine Neumann for details and to receive a count form. For more information on the May and July trail counts, please visit the BRPC Bike Path Planning webpage.


 
Upcoming Events                                                                                                    




professional Bike


Pro-Am Bicycle Racing Returns to Pittsfield Third Thursdays

Professional bicycle racing returns to Pittsfield with the Legacy Banks Criterium, scheduled for August 21 as part of Pittsfield's Third Thursdays Downtown Arts. The race will start at 6:30 PM in front of the Legacy Bank on North Street and consist of 50 laps on a one kilometer closed circuit in downtown Pittsfield.  "We're very pleased to bring back this exciting race with the generous support of Legacy Banks" said Brian Rabuse, race promoter and vice president of the Berkshire Cycling Association (BCA).

The Legacy Banks Criterium features a $1,500 prize list and is limited to 100 professional cyclists and top rated amateurs. Berkshire County residents expected to compete include Sean Condron of Lanesborough, Josh Lipka of Cheshire, and Will Dugan of Lenox.  Condron just won a collegiate team national championship in May; Dugan and Lipka are currently among the top amateurs in the country. Pittsfield City Councilor, Mike Ward, noted that a criterium is highly spectator-oriented event.  Racing on a closed circuit enables spectators to watch race developments throughout the entire race.

Coming Next Month! Spotlight on Stockbridge and Lee






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We welcome your support and ideas on improving bicycling in Berkshire County. For more information, visit http://www.berkshirebikepath.com





                                      Thank you for your continued support!                                 

Please support our efforts to advocate for better bicycling in Berkshire County. Mail your check, made out to Berkshire Bike Path Council, 55 South Mountain Rd, Pittsfield, MA  01201. Per IRS regulations, your donation to the Berkshire Bike Path Council will be treated similarly to a donation made to a 501(c)(3) organization and will be tax deductible.