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Berkshire Bike Path Council
November 2011 Update
The hearty are still out riding and the Ashuwillticook Trail is clear again after the snow storm. While many people have put their bikes away for the season, this is not the time to stop advocating for the bike path. This newsletter issue identifies important meetings and a conference that advocates need to attend to make sure biking is considered in future planning. As always, it is important for citizens to make their interests known. And cyclists might also plan for some cycling fun in Austria this Spring with Berkshire friends. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and giving thanks for the help of so many people. Particular thanks goes to Congressman Olver who has secured funding and consistently demonstrated his commitment to the bike path. The best way we could thank Congressman Olver would be to see a groundbreaking next Spring. Special thanks also goes to Rick Floyd for his years of serving on the BBPC board. We accepted his resignation with regret as we will miss his active participation and enthusiasm. Rick has been a strong advocate for bike safety. Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council
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Calendar
- Wed Nov 16 - 6:30-8 PM - Pittsfield City Hall - EEA meeting to update state outdoor recreation plan
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- Sat Nov 19 - 10-3 - Western New England Greenway Conference - Bennington Museum,Bennington, VT - Planning a trail from Montreal to NYC
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News
BIKE PATH UPDATES
Both Lee and Williamstown/North Adams are waiting for federal budget approval of the Scenic Byways funding that was awarded before they can move forward. Both communities will be holding community meetings to encourage public input. Watch for meeting dates and plan to attend.
The Adams Selectmen's meeting was well attended by bike advocates. Many spoke and gave important testimonials to the importance of continuing the bike path to Lime Street. As of press time, Adams has one signature, two tenants /owners negotiating, one is considering and one has definitely said no. Adams is considering alternatives routes should the emanate domain not be successfully passed at the Dec 5 Town meeting.
The iBerkshire reference below gives a complete picture of the situation about allocating the $2.3 million originally awarded to Lenox. Here too, delays in making the allocation will postpone either town/city from moving forward early this Spring. Pittsfield has been trying to work with Department of Transportation on a maintenance agreement which would be key to the purchasing of the rail bed from Lanesboro to Merrill Road. Mayors in Pittsfield and North Adams both see the benefits of a bike path. The Council is excited to see that North Adams and Pittsfield have progressed to the point that both are seeking funding and we look forward to the day when Pittsfield to North Adams becomes a reality.
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/39782/County-s-Two-Cities-Fight-Over-Rail-Trail-Money.html?source=top_stories
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BERKSHIRE CYCLISTS HEADING FOR AUSTRIA THIS SPRING
Austrian/Swiss Cycle, Hiking and Sightseeing Trip - Organized and led by our own Austrian cyclist Elmar Schmidinger. If you've been on one of his ski trips, you know how much fun you'll have.
Approximately 10 days, tentatively scheduled for mid to late June.
Flying from Boston to Zurich with transportation to the Bodensee/Rheindelta area.
Staying in the Austrian town of Bergenz on Lake Constance. The lake is bordered by Austria, Germany and Switzerland and is over 100 km around.
Small local hotel with breakfast included used as base for all activities.
Beautiful area with plenty of options for things to do in multiple countries: cycling, hiking, trams to mountains, sightseeing (bird sanctuary, chocolate factory, day trip to Innsbruck, zeppelin museum), shopping, beautiful cafes and restaurants
Cycling terrain varies and the area has extensive bike trails for all levels and interests.
Hybrid-like cycling rentals available locally for ~$22 per day, which is a good option for those who may plan to ride only some of the days or prefer to stick to flat-terrain. If you're planning to do more cycling and get into some of the higher elevations, you may prefer to ship your bike, cost of which is estimated at ~$400.
Virtually unlimited options for day hikes
Airfare is approximately $1,300.
Lunch, dinner and incidentals will be pay as you go.
Total cost estimate of trip (w/ bike shipment) is $2,500.
If you're interested, please send an email to either mdpnell@aol.com or momimarge@msn.com. A meeting is scheduled December 3, 3 PM, Bousquet Ski Area to cover additional details and questions.
EEA PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday, November 16
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) will host public meetings in November to solicit input for updating Massachusetts' Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Each state is required to complete a SCORP every five years to remain eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered by the National Parks Service.
Since the creation of the LWCF in 1964, over $98 million has gone to support 495 open space and recreation projects in every county in Massachusetts. Funding for LWCF is generated through revenue from offshore oil drilling, so no tax dollars are involved.
Through the SCORP process, EEA is seeking to identify the recreation needs of the state's residents. The resulting plan will help guide the use of future funding toward projects that fulfill the public's outdoor recreation priorities. In addition to the public meetings, EEA will also conduct a phone survey to ensure that a scientifically valid sample of data regarding residents' recreational preferences is collected. Massachusetts' plan will be submitted to the National Park Service for approval in early 2012.
November 16, 6:30-8pm
Pittsfield City Council Chambers
70 Allen Street, Pittsfield
A Western New England Greenway Saturday, November 19, 2011
The idea is to create a contiguous bike trail from New York City to Montreal. Please join us as we discuss the concept:
What: Western New England Greenway Conference
When: Saturday, November 19th - 10 AM to 3:30 PM
Where: Bennington Museum, Bennington Vermont
Imagine a network of bike trails reaching from the East Coast Greenway in southern Connecticut all the way to the Canadian border. And then linking up with Quebec's famed Route Verte.
We invite you to join the discussion, and explore how to make this idea a reality. Additional information and an agenda are being developed, and your ideas are welcome. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
For more information: call 413-394-9773 or e-mail: Programs@HousatonicHeritage.org
Please let us know if you would like to attend. marge@berkshirebikepath.org
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PHOTO OPS
Long distance bikers on trail 10/20/11
Janika & Rob used the Ashuwillticook on their ride from Albion, ME to Philadelphia
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To share your biking adventures email photos to info@berkshirebikepath.com
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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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