Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                    

December 2011 Update    

 

As 2011 comes to a close, I look back with pride at everything we accomplished this year; the collaborative South County development of the Berkshire Routes Map, the opening of  Everyone Rides Program, the Bay State Ride activities, the interest from 7 Towns and Cities who submitted proposals for the Transportation funding, the strong advocacy of trail supporters at public meetings, the work of the Town of Adams and the Selectman in pursuing a compromise with abutters and Mayor Alcombright's emergence as a bike path champion actively pursuing the expansion North.  

 
Our advocacy efforts need to continue. There are a number of newly elected Town and City Officials and it is essential to enlist their support. The EEA needs to hear that bike paths should be a part of their 5 year plan. Advocates should attend the Jan MPO meeting where a decision will be made on the available transportation funding ( see articles below). Consider making a new year's resolution to get involved. Attend the meetings, call your town officials and keep yourself well informed. 
 
Thanks for your support. We appreciate your reading our newsletter. 
 
Happy holiday to you and your families.

 

Marge Cohan
Marge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

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Calendar  

  • Wed Dec 14 - 6:30 PM - EEA public hearing - Lenox Town Hall
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  • Tue Jan 31 - 4 PM - MPO Meeting - Berkshire Regional Planning, 1 Fenn St, Pittsfield  
News

BIKE PATH UPDATES

 

Both Lee and Williamstown/North Adams continue to wait 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.

Agreements between Adams and the last two businesses in the Adams Corporate Park were approved at the Town Meeting, Dec 5, paving the way for the proposed extension of the Ashuwillticook.

Lee and Williamstown are still on hold waiting the allocation of Scenic Byway funding they have been awarded.

Adams/North Adams and Pittsfield Proposal await the MPO's decision on who will receive the funding.

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EEA PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday, December 14


The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) will host public meetings in December to solicit input from the public 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. 

 

MPO MEETING 
Tuesday, January 31, 2012   4:00 PM 

 

The Metropolitan Planning Organization will review the proposals submitted by Adams/NorthAdams and Pittsfield to determine who will receive the available transportation funding. The public is welcome to attend.     

Time to Clean Your Bike

 

This is a good time to clean your bike and put it away. Some helpful hints can be found at:
http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance/repair-maintenance/how-wash-your-bike 

 
BBPC 2012 Board 
Thanks to everyone who has served on the Board. Many of you are continuing and it is your commitment that keeps us going.  

 

Officers
President - Marjorie Cohan
Treasurer - John Galt
Secretary - Judith Gitelson

Directors
Laura Bentz
Merle Ferber
Sarah Gardner
Skip Harrington
Allison Lassoe
Paul Hopkins
Margie Safran
Heather Linscott
Marie Raftery
Steffen Root
William Travis
Dominick Villane
John Yuill


Liaisons
Pittsfield City Hall - James McGrath
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission - Sara Lafayette
Mass DOT - Keith Bond
State Representative - Gailanne Cariddi
Berkshire Cycling Association - James Cawse

PHOTO OPS

 

Stopping by Malnati's Meadow
Memories of warmer days.  This fall ride by Malnati's meadow in Richmond reminded us of Dr. Richard Berlin's poem, September Fire.  Click
to see him read the poem.

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.