December 2008 Update

Berkshire Bike Path Council

Gailanne Cariddi to be honored as Environmental Advocate

Gailanne Cariddi

We are always ready to recognize the work of our many wonderful volunteers, including one of our best-loved volunteers, Gailanne Cariddi, who will be honored this month with a specially designated Peacemaker Award - "Environmental Advocate" by the North Berkshire Community Coalition.

Congratulations Gailanne!

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2009

Next year marks the tenth anniversary for the Berkshire Bike Path Council, a decade of advocacy for an idea that seemed almost fanciful in 1999, but is now broadly accepted. In light of the urgent need for more alternative transportation options, the growing popularity of bicycle-based tourism, the greater demand for close to home recreation and rising fuel prices, it is clear that bicycling matters. It was a decade of hard work, many successes, lots of meetings, and lots of fun. Stay tuned.

But we have no intention of resting on our laurels. This month we focus on our goals and dreams for the exciting year ahead. Best wishes for the New Year.

Marge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

Spotlight

Four Goals for 2009

1 Completion of Regional Implementation Plan

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and National Park Service are working on the plan, which will include a regional map highlighting the central spine of a north-south bikeway route, along with key side routes, and a matrix summarizing all current and proposed bikeway projects. Their goal is to complete the plan early in 2009.

2 (I've Been) Working on the Railroad: Multi-Community Meeting

Many Berkshire communities have bikeway plans (either conversion of abandoned railroad corridors-"rail to trail" or shared use of a railway corridor-"rail with trail") that require the cooperation of railroad companies, Our goal is to organize a multi-community meeting with rail interests to convey the regional scope of our plans.

3 South County: Identifying a Consensus Route

This past year we welcomed a resurgence of interest in community bikeway planning and organizing in Great Barrington, Lee, Sheffield and Stockbridge. This year our goal is to help these communities strengthen their local initiatives and to identify logical intertown bikeway connections.

4 Supporting Two Regional Environmental Initiatives

Housatonic River ACEC: We are strongly supporting this state designation for the Housatonic River in Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield and Washington. "The concentration, significance, complexity and diversity of the resources leave no doubt that the proposed area meets the ACEC threshold of regional or statewide significance. As separate resource features and as a dynamic ecosystem, the Upper Housatonic River corridor is highly significant to both the Berkshires and to the state." You can read more about the details of the nomination at savethehousatonic.org. The next ACEC public meeting is December 11 at 7 pm at the Lenox Town Hall.

Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area: We are pleased to be providing consultation on the development of a management plan by the Upper Housatonic Valley NHA. Bicycle and pedestrian trails are critical to a meaningful visitor experience and the preservation of our region's heritage-based natural and cultural resources. Check with their website for the schedule of upcoming public meetings on the plan.

Art Barry completes 1000 miles on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Does this man look familiar? Anyone who frequents the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail has seen Art Barry, a retired government employee who worked at the General Electric Ordinance Plant and lives in North Adams.

This year--as he has done in past years--Art has completed 1000 miles cycling on the trail. Art has visited other rail trails throughout the region, but "the Ashuwillticook is the best bike trail I have ever been on." He attributes that to the courteous trail users and the efforts of Becky Barnes (DCR) and her crew. Next time you see him on the trail don't just give the customary wave, say "Congratulations Art and what's your mileage?"

Shop Our Gear for Christmas Check out our cool gear for your favorite cyclist.

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.