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Berkshire Bike Path Council
Greetings from the President
As 2010 comes to an end, it is important to look back on what we accomplished this year. While we faced a number of challenges we have made progress. The fact that 5, and possibly 6, communities applied for the federal funds returned by Lenox, reflects serious local interest in a bike path and hard work in taking steps towards developing one. I am very impressed with the revived Pittsfield committee and the interest from City Officials. It is a reflection of Lenox's commitment to a bike path that they are forming a new bike path committee to forge onward. Five South County communities are working together to develop a touring map to encourage interest in cycling in their communities. Recent dialog with the railroad leading to potential future discussions brings new hope for all BBPC committees county wide. Hopefully the work in Adams will make an extension north possible this year. One of the important lessons we learned again is that community input is a critical part of the process. We need to keep our local and State officials informed and we need to keep our constituents actively involved. I would encourage you to make a New Year's resolution to join one of the local committees and become an active part of our bike path planning Special thanks to everyone who has worked hard this year. Wishing you all a happy holiday. May the path you ride on always be safe. 
Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council
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Calendar
Upcoming events
Spring dedication of Adaptive Equipment program
Volunteers are needed to plan the dedication of the Adaptive Equipment program. Please contact Marge Cohan if you are interested in joining this committee.
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2010 Accomplishments
GOAL Enlist the support of local and state officials for the Berkshire Bike Path implementation plan
Met with Dept of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Richard Sullivan and Peter Niles and local Dept of Transportation and found them supportive of our plan.
GOAL - Develop new brochure
Developed a brochure for distribution at events and have distributed them to public places such as town halls and bike shops
GOAL - Address railroad issues county-wide Discussion with the railroad has begun and organizations involved have agreed that BRPC will take the lead in negotiations with the Housatonic Railroad.
GOAL - Increase constituency
Supported community rides and events, increased the number of e-newsletter recipients and web contacts
GOALS 2011- Advocate for the continued dialog between the railroad, BRPC and town committees
- Enlist the support of Mass DOT Commissioner and new Secretary of Environmental Affairs
- Further expand constituency and interest in trail development
- Develop a South County Touring Map
- Develop a historic ride for Pittsfield's 250 Birthday event
- Increase number of presentations
- Increase public relations and media exposure
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News
Ashuwillticook Trail Counts
Trail counts on the Ashuwillticook took place in May and September this year. The counts on Tuesdays are only during the commute hours. On Saturdays trail users are counted for a 12 hour period from 7 AM - 7PM. Each counter is asked to count for a two hour period. We did have a couple of 2 hour time periods that did not get covered. Keep watching future newsletters for the 2011 counts and please volunteer to help gather this data.
Results of 2010 Counts:
- Tuesday May 25 577
- Saturday May 22 1990
- Tuesday Sept 21 323
- Saturday Sept 25 2259
Redistribution of Federal Funds
Earlier this year, the Town of Lenox relinquished an allocation of $2.3M in Federal Bikeway funds due to complications with the implementation of their bikeway project. Fortunately these funds, secured for our Region by Congressman Olver, are still available for projects in other communities.
The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is now working with our towns and cities to identify one or more replacement bikeway projects. Several worthwhile projects are already under consideration. The decision on how to spend the bikeway funds will be made during the Spring/Summer of 2011. Persons who are interested in the decision making process for bikeway funding can go the BRPC's website:
www.berkshireplanning.org
RECYCLING
Do you ever wonder what the heck you are going to do with old bike stuff? Stuff not really so great to sell (and you have a fairly strong hoarding gene). I mean tires you have taken off your Bike saying 'Yeah there's still some miles left in them I'll throw them on some time'. Or tubes that you plan to patch someday. Rims still good but not quite light enough for your forks discriminating palate? Even an old frame you have made your peace with and are ready to say Go on girl (or boy) you be free - (hard to
do - I know). The BBPC is supporting an effort by Berkshire Cycling Association (BCA) to recycle old bikes and equipment. 
Contact BCA's Kurt about contributing to a large shipment to Troy Bike Rescue.
Kusu523@aol.com www.troybikerescue.org
Bicycle Summit in CT The League of American Bicyclists reports that Connecticut held their first statewide summit on November 13 to help improve the state's bike-friendliness -- the state is currently ranked 40th in the Bicycle Friendly State rankings. www.bikewalkct.org
Massachusetts is ranked 15th and Vermont is ranked 34th.
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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.
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