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Berkshire Bike Path Council
January 2010 Update
As the new year begins, many of us have resolved to get more active and trim down. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail continues to provide opportunities for exercise, and is open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Just off shore at Farnum's Crossing, speedskaters race around, fishermen drill for fish and snowmobiles crisscross around Cheshire Lake. It was no surprise to us that the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail was designed at a Heart Healthy Trail.
Inside, folks continue to work on extending the trail North and South and building our constituency of supporters by meeting with town and city officials, scouting out routes and planning spring and summer events. Connecting to other like-minded organizations is another way we hope to increase support for the countywide bike path effort. Follow some of the links in this month's newsletter to learn more.
And make another resolution - get involved in making the countywide vision path a reality.
Happy New Year.
Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council
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Feb 4 - Thursday - Pittsfield Bike Path Committee - 5:30 PM - 1 Fenn Street
April 1 - Thursday - Berkshire Bike Path Council Board Meeting - 6 PM - 1 Fenn Street |
Spotlight on
Heart Healthy Trail
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) designated the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail as a Heart Healthy Trail. In designating the trail, DCR wants to encourage residents to make the trail a part of their regular exercise route, something we know many of you do already. More information about DCR's program can be found at
There is also a link for a tracking form to log your walking, running and biking. You can also join their listserve for suggestions and updates. The goal is to reach 75 miles by Labor Day!
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NPS selects BBPC
The Berkshire bike Path Council is one of only four Massachusett projects seleced for support by the National Parks System (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Progrm (RTCA) for 2010.
The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects. RTCA staff provide technical assistance to communities so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.
You can see the report, go to their web site and click on MA.
A number of you may recognize yourself in the pictures. |
Expanding our Chain of Supporters
At the last BBPC Board meeting the decision to join the Berkshire Visitors Bureau was approved. BBPC will now be a link on their web page and included in their directory. Berkshire Visitors Bureau
We will continue to be a member of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
The new Great Barrington Trails web page will soon include a reference to BBPC also.
Please visit these websites and through these new affiliations we hope to expand our base of supporters.
We would welcome the opportunity to speak with community groups and civic leaders. Please let us know if an organization that you belong to would like a presentation on the local or countywide bike path efforts.
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Bike Path Planning___________
While we support Christine Neumann's interest in pursuing her education, we were sad to hear she was leaving her job at Berkshire Regional Planning in early December. Christine was an outstanding planner, who was very committed to the Berkshire Bike Path efforts. She coordinated the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail counts and compiled detailed data that will be helpful as we pursue grants and enlist support. Christine attended many Board meetings and local committees, sharing her expertise and enlisting BRPC support. Christine's work on the Berkshire Bike Path Implementation Plan has left us in good standing. It reflects the kind of thorough and professional work for which she will be remembered. Thank you Christine.
Enlisting Official Support
Pittsfield Bike Path Committee had a very positive meeting with newly reelected Mayor Ruberto and Deanna Ruffer, Director of Community Development. The Pittsfield Committee also met with all of the City Councilors to apprise them of Pittsfield's current status and how it fits in with developing the countywide bike path.
Gail Cariddi facilited a meeting with newly elected Mayor Alcombright of North Adams. An update for NA City Council will be scheduled when the engineer firm completes their study in early March.
The Stockbridge Bike Path committee submitted a request for funds in the 2011 budget for bike racks and bike signage as they begin their efforts at building bike path support.
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2010 Goals
The Berkshire Bike Path Council Board of Directors established a list of goals for 2010 and highlighted three to concentrate on:
- Enlist the support of local and state officials for the Berkshire Bike Path Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan describes a route concept and has been signed by 11 Berkshire Communities willing to work together to resolve basic issues such as making sure the path flows continuously from one town to the next.
- Develop a brochure for distribution at events and place them in public places such as town halls.
- Present the Housatonic Railroad with a countywide plan for path interfaces with HR property.
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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. | |
