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Berkshire Bike Path Council
June 2011 Update
May was a rainy month which caused many of our Baystate Rides activities to be cancelled. Sun shined on the opening of the adaptive equipment program Everyone Rides. Over 50 people attended and many were able to try biking for the first time. Over $10,000 has been raised thru the annual Farnam's Challenge (scheduled this year for July 24th). More details on the Everyone Rides program and Farnam's Challenge below.
City of Pittsfield also had good weather for their community ride as close to 40 cyclists headed out from the Pittsfield State Forest. A couple of the group rides went off without rain. Special thanks to the following organizations for conducting their Baystate Week events.
Department of Conservation & Recreation United Cerebral Palsy City of Pittsfield
Stockbridge Bike Path Committee Berkshire Outfitters MassDot
Berkshire Cycling Association Bike and Board The Spoke
Berkshire Bike Path Council Ordinary Cycles AdLib
Boy Scout Troop 75 (Williams School) Cub Scout Pack 8 (St Marks Church)
Stockbridge is rescheduling their community ride for June 30 and they will be following one of the routes in the new Berkshire Touring Map. Sheffield will set out on their route as part of the October Housatonic Heritage Fall hiking/biking weekend. These are slow pace supported rides - great for all levels of cyclists.
In challenging financial times there is some good news on path progress. It is the patience and hard work of so many volunteers, who organize and staff events that build constituency of bike path advocates and now town officials who see the benefits of a bike path in their community, who will make a bike path from Vermont to Ct. a reality.
Let's keep on peddling.
Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council |
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Calendar
- Stockbridge Meeting Thursday June 30 5:30 Town Offices
- Trail Count July 9 &12 Ashuwillticook 2 hr shifts.
- Stockbridge Community Ride - July 10 9 am Town Offices
- Farnum's Challenge July 24 9 am Ashuwillticook, Cheshire
- Housatonic Heritage Ride -Sunday Oct 2 Sheffield Town Hall 9 AM
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Trail Count - July 9 and 12th
Volunteers Needed
The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with the Berkshire Bike Path Council, is looking for volunteers for two hour shifts on Saturday, July 9th beginning at 7am and ending at 7pm and also on Tuesday July 12th between 7-9am and 4-6pm, at three different locations along the trail: the Berkshire Mall, Farnum's Crossing in Cheshire, and Russell Field in Adams.
To volunteer, please contact Ellen Downes at 413-442-1521 x23 or edownes@berkshireplanning.org. In your response, please include the time and location you prefer, and we'll provide you with all the other information needed!
The information gathered from these trail counts is of great value in demonstrating the continued interest in the Ashuwillticook of area residents and visitors alike. Counting trail users is one of the ways we document the need to maintain and grow the trail, with its many opportunities individuals and families to experience the beauty of the Berkshires while hiking, biking, and strolling along the areas only such paved, off-road facility. This data is also used to support requests for planning and funding from our state and local agencies and legislature for new facilities throughout the county.
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News
Farnam's Challenge July 24 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
A unique triathlon with athletes with and without disabilities, who create teams to compete in run/bike and row race on the Ashuwillticook Trail. Canoes are provided and individuals can call to connect to teams. This year's race is a collaborative effort of UCP the Berkshires, DCR and BBPC. Teams interested in participating should call Dawn at UCP 447 9555. Those interested in volunteering should call Marge at 442 5223.
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EVERYONE RIDES - Spread the word
Over the past 10 years, Farnam's Challenge with the support of Ad Lib and BBPC has raised over $15,000. Funds have been used to support individual athletes and their participation in events and conferences. This year $10,000 worth of adaptive equipment has been purchased. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has constructed a shed next to their facility on Route 8. And the equipment is NOW AVAILABLE- FREE for anyone who requires adaptive support to ride on the Ashuwillticook. Three wheel cycles provide stability for individuals who are unable to ride more traditional bikes. Hand cycles provide an alternative for folks unable to use their legs.
Individuals interested in using the equipment need to meet with a physical therapist at UCP to determine which equipment is best suited for their needs. Once that is completed they will call UCP and determine when they would like to go biking. Dawn at UCP 447 9500 will let DCR know and their staff will deliver the equipment to the Farnam's Crossing Parking lot to ride.
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Southern Berkshire County brochure now available
BBPC in collaboration with the Housatonic Heritage and the Towns of Sheffield, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge have completed a tour map of South County. Ride range from 8-18 miles and town routes insert for longer rides. Special thanks to Karen Marino, Mark Maloy, Harriet and Lew Cuyler and Allison Lassoe for producing this excellent product and to the town representatives who recommended great routes.
Hard copies of the maps are available in town halls, bike shops and visitor centers.
Presently available on line at:
http://www.upperhousatonicheritage.org/index.php?catId=2&subCatId=57
http://www.berkshireplanning.org/transportation/bike_trail_planning.html
As well as on our website www.berkshirebikepath.com
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BIKE PATH PROGRESS
Williamstown to North Adams
The towns of Williamstown and North Adams have been awarded a $560,000 grant from the National Scenic Byway Grant Program to further the development of the North County bike path that will connect the two towns. The route will roughly parallel the Hoosic River and Route 2, which is also known as the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway.
The grant requires a $140,200 match. Special thanks to Congressman Olver who supported this application.
Adams to North Adams
A proposal to extend the trail from Lime Street to Hodges Cross Road near the C.H. McCann Technical School is high on a list of several projects competing for the $2.3 million in federal funds that Lenox passed on when it withdrew plans for its proposed bike path. The local Transportation Advisory Committee is recommending the Adams project to the state's Metropolitan Planning Organization, which will make the final decision.
Lee
The Town of Lee submitted a proposal for $250,000 to the National Scenic Byway Program to conduct Phase 2 in which they will conduct extensive public outreach, work with landowners and secure 25% engineering designs for the southern half of their route.
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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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