Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                        

February 2009 Update


Catalysts for Change: Renewing Our Commitment in 2009

In 2009, we find ourselves at critical junction with great opportunities. The convergence of economic, energy and environmental crises bodes well for making changes in our priorities and social behavior. With new presidential leadership, bicycle advocacy is better positioned to influence the future. The fact that original economic recovery bill included $1.35 billion for transportation enhancements (50% of which would support bike/ped projects) reflects recognition that greenways and trails provide alternate transportation, conserve important resources, and contribute to a healthy community. 

As bike path advocates we can take advantage of this opportunity by making a new commitment to get involved. I hope as you read this month's issue you will find a way to contribute. Spring is just around the corner!

Marge Cohan   President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

Spotlight                                                                                                                                 

Getting Involved . . .

Care for a Trail

The Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Park Stewardship program in May includes volunteer opportunities for sprucing up the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in May. Tasks include: planting, cutting and removing brush, sweeping, painting fences and special projects. Contact Rebecca Barnes at DCR.

Do the Numbers

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) will again take the lead in organizing three trail utilization studies on the Ashuwillticook trail in May, July and Sept.  This involves documenting the number of trips on the trail during about an 8-hour period.  Teams of two are posted at three trailside locations for two-hour shifts. These data play a critical role in understanding patterns of trail use and justify funding for continued trail development.  Check the Commission website for the results of last year's counts. Contact Christine Neumann at BPRC for further information.

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Run Oar Roll

Ad Lib's 6th Annual Farnam's Crossing Run Oar Roll Triathlon will be held on July 19th.  Athletes, with and without disabilities, are encouraged to participate and volunteers are needed to make this event successful again. Contact Marge Cohan.

Think Regionally

The ACEC designation for the Housatonic River and the management planning effort for the Upper Housatonic National Heritage area have potential for providing bike path opportunities but a constant presence of advocates is critical to this outcome.  Watch for notices of these meetings in the press and on our website. 

Act Locally (Community Bike Path Committee Contacts)

North Adams/Williamstown (Gail Cariddi or Lauren Gaherty)
Pittsfield (Jim McGrath)
Lenox (Jeff Vincent)
Lee (Bruce Singer)
Stockbridge (Marie Raftery)
Great Barrington (Peter Stanton)

Spread the Word

We may have one opening for assisting with our monthly e-newsletter and web page.
Contact Marge Cohan.
january   


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We welcome your support and ideas on improving bicycling in Berkshire County.

For more information, visit http://www.berkshirebikepath.com






P.S. Read MassBike's Guide to New Bike Law!

MassBike has released a quick Guide to the New Bike Law to explain it in plain language.




                                      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.