 |
|
Berkshire Bike Path Council
August 2009 Update
BBPC always is concerned about cyclist safety but in light of the recent hit and run accident in Hancock we are again reminded that we need to take precautions.
As the days get shorter, bright colored shirts and blinking lights increase cyclist safety both on the path and on the roads. On hot humid days consider taking two water bottles and stay hydrated. With all this rain it is almost impossible not to be riding on wet slippery roads, so take extra caution at intersections where you may need to stop. Remove grit from your bike to keep brakes and chains in good order.
The installation of rumble strips on Route 7 and 43 poses a new challenge to cyclists when passing or crossing to make a left turn. Again extra caution is needed.
Riding in groups is a great way for beginning road riders to increase their safety. Check the July issue on line for group rides in Central and South county. This month's newsletter includes info on North County group rides.
Be sure to check below for great coupons from 2 of the North County bike shops.
Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council |
Spotlight on
North County Cycling Activity
Bike Path Planning
Mohawk Trail Bike/Ped Advisory Committee members met recently with consultants from Milone and MacBroom Inc to review proposed and alternate routes for the bike/ped trail between N. Adams and Williamstown. For more information email Lauren Gaherty, Senior Planner for Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, who is coordinating this effort. Email her for more information Lgaherty@Berkshireplanning.org
Group Rides
The SPOKE Bicycles is coordinating group rides for all level riders on Thursday nights, 6 PM, 25-38 mi from their Williamstown location. Contact Paul@Spokebicycles.com for more information.
Hoosic River Ride 8.22.09
Start at Bennington College and do 13, 34 or 70 mile routes. Proceeds benefit the Hoosic River Watershed Association. Check their web site for more information and to register.
|
Bike Path Planning
Trail Symposium
The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, Berkshire Bike Path Council and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission are collaborating to present an educational Bike Trail Planning Symposium. The event will be held at the Red Lion Inn on Thursday September 10th, 2009 at 3:00 pm and will present strategies for communities to successfully build bike paths. Limited seating is available and we are encouraging each trail committee and municipality to send a representative.
Presentations will cover issues such as understanding the terms and vocabulary of trail design and construction, exploring different design ideas, building community involvement, and overcoming obstacles.
Speakers include Mark Jewell, District Advertising Program Coordinator for MassHighway, who will share his experience with the Blackstone Rail Trail and Bill Steelman, Director of Heritage Preservation for Essex National Heritage Corridor.
For more info email info@Housatonicheritage.org.
 |
|
Other News
Trail Options
We are often asked about other rail trails in the area. The Norwottuck is located in Northhampton, the Mohawk-Hudson located in the Albany, NY area, and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail located in Millerton, NY which is along the Connecticut border.
.
There are many wonderful back roads in the Berkshires, if you are not totally opposed to riding on the road. An excellent resource is "Bike Rides in the Berkshire Hill" by Lewis C. Cuyler.
Another excellent resource is the Rubel Maps . These maps show bike rideable roads with arrows showing the direction of the up hill and the thickness of the arrows indicates the difficultly of the climb.
Ashuwillticook Trail Count
Thanks to everyone who helped with the July trail counts. There were 1855 one-way trips from 7AM-7PM on Saturday, July 11, and 483 one-way trips from 7:30-9:30AM and 4:30-6:30PM on Tues, July 14. These counts are used to advocate for future trail development and would not be possible without your help. The next count is scheduled for Sat, Sept 12 and Tues, Sept 14. For more information check out the Berkshire Planning web site or contact Christine Neumann at CNeumann@berkshireplanning.org or (413) 442-1521 ext. 16.
Farnum's Challenge
Congratulations to the winning team and thanks to everyone who made this wonderful event so successful. Five teams competed on a beautiful day. Two teams found the final leg a little difficult paddling against the wind, but everyone made it safe and sound.
First Place Team
Merle makes sure that all the canoes get in |
|
Aug 8 - Saturday - DCR Universal Accessible boat and bike in adaptive equipment, Farnum's Crossing 10-4, preregistration required: call All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980.
Sep 8 - Tuesday - Berkshire Bike Path Board meeting - 1 Fenn Street, Pittsfield 6:30
Sep 10 - Thursday - Barriers to Bike Path Conference - Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge 3 PM
Sep 19,20, Oct 3,4 - Housatonic Heritage Walks and Hike - Bike Oct 4 at Sheffield Town Hall 10-12
Thanks to John Yuill for all the wonderful pictures |
|
____________________________________________________________________
THE SPOKE
279 Main St.,Williamstown, MA 01267
Ph: 413-458-3456
Open M-F 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM
20% off Any Cycling Clothing
in the Store, including Sale items
Print and present this coupon, valid through 8/31/09
BBPC Newsletter
______________________________________________________
Berkshire Outfitters.com
Outdoor Specialty Shop
RT 8, Adams, MA 01220
Ph: 413-743-5900
50% off Any One Bicycle Accessory
with the Purchase of a New Bike
Print and present this coupon, valid through 8/31/09
BBPC Newsletter |
|
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. | |
