Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                    

August 2011 Update    

There have been a number of letters to the editor in the Berkshire Eagle about SHARING THE ROAD.   Some of the letters are critical of packs of riders who do not pull into a single line when cars need to pass.  On the other hand, cyclists complain that impatient drivers create hazardous situations by carelessly pulling out or opening a car door, not giving the riders space in the traffic lane when there is no shoulder and honking or throwing things at the cyclist.
 
Clearly this is a two way process.  As cyclists, we have the responsibility to follow the rules of the road. That means riding with the traffic, stopping at red lights and stop signs and using  hand signs which help drivers know our intentions.  Making ourselves visible with bright clothing and blinking lights add to our safety.  Most important, riding in a single file whenever possible is critical to changing drivers attitudes about us.
 
If we want drivers to be patient, slow down and share the road, then we need to take the first step forward and demonstrate we too know how to share. 

Marge Cohan
Marge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

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Calendar  

  • Hoosic River Ride - Sat Aug 20 - Bennington, VT            
  • COOL Ride - Sat Sept 24 - CT to VT
  • BerkShares Ride - Sun Sept 25, 2 PM - Route 7 Grill, Great Barrington
  • Housatonic Heritage Ride -Sun Oct 2, 9 AM - Sheffield Town Hall 

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Hoosic River Ride 

 

Saturday, Aug 20

 

This is the 7th year for the Hoosic River Ride, an event benefiting the education, research & advocacy programs of the Hoosic River Watershed Association working to protect, restore & promote enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its environs. There will be four distances of 8, 28, 50 and 75 miles, with the longest route covering challenging terrain in three states.  For route information and how to sign up check www.hoorwa.org.

 

BerkShares Bike-a-Thon for the Local Economy:

Ride with GB Trails!

 

Sunday, September 25th, 2:00 p.m.

 

Meet at the Route 7 Grill.

 

Riders will assemble to pedal a scenic route covering ten or more miles through the towns of Great Barrington, Sheffield, and Egremont, with the beautiful Sheffield-Egremont corridor at the heart of the route. Hosted by BerkShares in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Sheffield Land Trust, the Friends of the Du Bois Home Site, the Berkshire Bike Path Committee, and the Great Barrington River Walk. For Registration information go to:http://www.berkshares.org/. To join the GB Trails Peddling team email gbtrails1@gmail.org

RIDE FROM CT to VT
 
Saturday, Sept 24

 

The Williamstown COOL Committee and the First Congregational Church, Williamstown are planning an event as part of 350.org Moving Planet--a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis.  The committee would like an individual or team of cyclists to ride from Sheffield to Williamstown on a route they determine and arrive in Williamstown by 5PM.  Anyone interested in cycling the whole way or part of the way should contact Marge at berkshirebikepath.com.

 

News

STOCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY RIDE

 

On July 24, about 25 riders, experienced and new, enjoyed trying out the new South County bike routes through Stockbridge.   Check on the maps below for the routes and try them yourself!

stockbridge community ride
Buck Smith give directions at the start

 
 Farnum's Challenge
UCP team Farnum's Challenge

UCP sponsored a great team with a cyclist who used our new equipment with his big brother cheering him on

 

 

Southern Berkshire County Brochure    

 
BayState Week 2011 

 

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

 

PHOTO OPS

BCA Wed AM Riders
BCA Wed AM riders getting ready to go

 

To share your biking adventures email photos to info@berkshirebikepath.com

 

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january
   


Check out our cool bicycling gear
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.