Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                        

April 2009 Update


Bike Path Efforts Blossom Throughout Berkshire County. . .

With spring comes renewed commitment to the ultimate goal of a bike path from Vermont to Connecticut.   With the help of Christine Neumann, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and Charles Tracy, National Parks System (NPS) support, and the support of local officials, Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington and Stockbridge are actively involved in bike path development.  In addition to their independent efforts, they recognized the need to collaborate and held the first of four town meetings on April 8th.  Lauren Gaherty BRPC, has helped North Adams and Williamstown issue a request for proposals for Design and Feasibility of their joint efforts. The countywide joint effort is working to have an implementation plan by June.
 
An unusually warm March saw cyclists riding throughout the county. Berkshire Cycle Association (BCA) hopes to help you ride safely and prepare for flat tires at their annual workshop.  Critical to safe riding is wearing a good fitting helmet.  Check out Richard Floyd's blog  and you can use Ordinary Cycle's coupon below for 10% discount on a new helmet.  We also suggest riding with a group and recommend joining Berkshire Cycle Association (BCA).  The BCA's riding schedule can be found at the BCA 2009 Ride Guide.
 
This month's issue is packed with path progress, upcoming events and encourages your participation in our continued bike path development.  Enjoy our new monthly coupon offers and share the email news with friends. 
 

Spotlight                                                                                                                                 

Small Steps Forward . . . 

Progress in South County
 
The Lenox section of the overall path has been broken into three separate segments.  Using town funds Lenox has completed a design and feasibility study for segment 1.  Segment 1 is "shovel ready" and hopefully will see construction in the spring.  Passage of the Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) designation (see below) will support their Segment 2 plans to run parallel to the Housatonic River. Lenox has also submitted the proposed path from the pedestrian bridge over the Housatonic River to Lenox Memorial and Middle High school for 25% design review by MassHighway.  This is the next step in the process for Lenox to receive funding.

 

Great Barrington Trails and Greenway Committee has expanded their hiking trail efforts to include bike path planning .  They plan to present to Selectmen on Monday 4/13 and conduct events to  encourage community awareness.  With NPS and BBPC support, they have produced a trail map.

 

Lee Selectmen have appointed an official committee and see their bike path efforts as a part of downtown development.  Working with Christine Neumann and other  BRPC staff , they are exploring possible routes and hope to have some initial mapping completed by the Spring.. 

 

The Stockbridge committee is composed of active cyclists and was able to quickly identify some great on-road rides.  Working with Charles Tracy, NPS, and funds BPPC received from Rail to Trails, they hope to produce a map by spring.  In establishing a designated route, the committee plan to monitor road maintenance and encourage bike accessibility upgrades.  While their short term goal is on road cycling, the group is also exploring off road options and connections to Lenox, Lee and Great Barrington. 
 

BBP Implementation Plan
 
The Implementation Plan will have three main parts: County Map, Matrix of Projects and an MOU.  The map will show current and proposed bike paths and routes and will be available on the town websites, the BBPC website, the BRPC website and potentially at town halls and libraries. The matrix will show each of the town projects by priority and readiness.  The next step would be to schedule a meeting with Town officials to present the MOU.  It is anticipated that the Implementation Plan will be final and the MOU will be signed by May.

UPPER HOUSATONIC RIVER ACEC HAS BEEN FULLY DESIGNATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL SECRETARY!
 
Thirteen miles of the upper Housatonic River area encompassing areas in Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee and Washington has just been designated an "area of critical environmental concern" (ACEC) by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles.  The 30-page document specifically declines to exempt the EPA and the
various industrial and municipal properties that sought exclusions. It quotes the state's Division of Fisheries & Wildlife as writing that "the Housatonic River watershed is one of the most biologically rich and unique regions of the Commonwealth supporting one of the highest densities of state-listed species in the state."  This could not have succeeded without the outpouring of support from local individuals and organizations.

The ACEC designation will create an additional level of permitting needed for large projects such as bike paths so it important to have BBPC members from South county present at future hearings to keep the bike trail idea represented.  You can read more about the details of the nomination at savethehousatonic.org.
 
Green Berkshires will be celebrating the ACEC (and its own fifth birthday) with an Open House at our Great Barrington office on Earth Day, April 22, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Save the date!

Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area (UHVNHA) update

The UHVNHA is working on developing their Management Plan which will provide the foundation of their work for the next ten years.  Their deadline for completion of the Management Plan is June 2009. Marge and Charlie expressed that it is important for BBPC to be represented at this stage of the group's development.  Check their website for the schedule of upcoming public meetings. http://www.upperhousatonicheritage.org/.
 
Make New Friends, Keep the Old
 
We are sad to report that Tom Galvagni has resigned from the BBPC Board.  Tom is a founding member who has served as Vice President for 10 years.  As a MassHighway engineer he oversaw the development of the Ashuwillticook Trail and brought a depth of knowledge to our efforts that cannot be replaced.  He will continue to be a resource and supporter but we will miss his active involvement.  
 
Margie Safran responded to our call for volunteers and she has taken lead in continuing our Enewsletter.  John Yuill will continue to maintain our email lists, assist in the distribution of the newsletter and keep our web page current.  The Enewsletter was developed as part of our NPS grant and it has proved to be an effective way to keep our members and the community updated on our bike path efforts.

Calendar                                                                                                                                 

Upcoming Events . . .

Spring Spruce Up for Ashuwillticook: Park Serve Day, Saturday April 25

The Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Park Serve Day, scheduled for April 25, 2009, 9:30-12:30, will include a spring spruce up on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Tasks include: planting, cutting and removing brush, sweeping, painting fences and special projects. Volunteers need to register with Rebecca Barnes at (413) 499-7003 or Rebecca.Barnes@state.ma.us
Trail Serve Day 2007
 
Tire Changing Clinic, Thursday April 16, 5:45 PM
 
The Berkshire Bicycle Association (BCA) will hold a tire changing clinic on Thursday April 16 at 1 Fenn St. in the 3rd floor Board Room. It will start with a Road Safety Talk by Rick LeBlanc at 5:45 followed by the Tire Changing Clinic at about 6:45. The location will be 1 Fenn  St. in the 3rd floor Board Room.  Please be prompt as the building will be locked after 6:45.  Be sure to bring your front wheel, tire irons, spare tube and pump or CO2 inflator.  This will also be a chance to meet with other bikers and pay your BCA dues.  For updated information go to events page. 
Bike Repair
 
 
MassBike Bike Night - April 18
 
This year's MassBike "Bike Night" is newly designed to attract MassBike members and supporters from throughout the state. It's on Saturday, April 18th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham. Ride your bike to Bike Night and use MassBike's free Valet Bike Parking! The museum is also easily accessible via the MBTA, and public parking is available.
 
All proceeds from Bike Night benefit MassBike's advocacy efforts. To reserve your spot at this year's Bike Night, a victory celebration for *all* cyclists in Massachusetts, visit http://www.massbike.org/news/bikenight.htm

Do the Numbers: Ashuwillticook Trail User Count, May 2 and 5

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) will continue its program to count users on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in 2009. Counts are taken three times a year (May, July and September) at three locations: Berkshire Mall Road in Lanesborough, Farnam's Road in Cheshire and Russell Field in Adams. The data gathered will be used to gain a better understanding of what types of trail activities people most enjoy on the trail, and will help build a foundation for predicting future use. The data collected will also be used to advocate for greater trail development.  
 
The first round of counts will take place on Saturday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 5. Volunteers are needed to help count! Volunteers are asked to commit to a two-hour shift anytime between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd and from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m on Tuesday, May 5th. This is a passive survey as volunteers are asked simply to record the number of one way trips they see. No experience is necessary and no survey work required.
 
To volunteer in May, please contact: Christine Neumann (413) 442-1521, ext. 16. Click here for more information on the Ashuwillticook Trail Count Program.

 
Shaun Thorton Memorial Jiminy Peak Road Race, Saturday May 2
 
BCA promotes this spring classic, drawing racers from all over the Northeast, including professionals and amateurs from some of America's top teams. The unpredictable New England weather is often a factor, but many consider this part of the race's appeal.  Registration for the Jiminy Peak race opens on BikeReg April 1. 

Run Oar Roll, July 19

Ad Lib's 6th Annual Farnam's Crossing Run Oar Roll Triathlon will be held on July 19th, 9-12.  Athletes, with and without disabilities, are encouraged to participate and volunteers are needed to make this event successful again. Contact Marge Cohan.
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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.