MPO Allocates 13M for Berkshire Bike Paths
Jan. 31 2012 was one of the best attended MPO meetings , including Senator Benjamin Downing, Rep. Paul Marks, Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, Rep.Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Mayor Alcombright, Mayor Bianchi and Selectman Skip Harrington. The message was clear - Berkshire County wants a bike path. And they have responded!!!
The MPO allocated $13,000,000 towards construction of bike paths in Berkshire County in their 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The funds require the towns and cities to fund complete project design, environmental permitting and Right of Way before construction money is released and depending upon costs, other sources may also be needed to make up any deficits . The exception is the Mohawk Trail Phase II project in Williamstown and North Adams that funds design, environmental permitting and Right of Way with a Scenic Byways grant. The Town of Lee also has Scenic Byway funds to assist their effort in preparing for construction funds. Details can be found in Lauren R. Stevens' column in 8/6/12 Berkshire Eagle.
Congratulations to Adams and North Adams
Adams and North Adams successfully raised the required funds to bring their project from Lime Street Adams to Hodges Crossing in North Adams to construction. The MPO committed to funding the extension's construction at a well-attended MPO meeting but required additional funds from the communities involved. Congratulations to Mayor Alcombright, Adams and North Adams selectman, town planners and all the bike advocates who were committed to this important project.
BRPC Staff Changes
The BBPC will miss the support of Sara Lafayette, who has been the bike path liaison for the past 3 years. Sara had an offer she couldn't refuse and we support her career choice. We appreciate her active involvement and optimism.
Doug Plachcinski, who has also been involved in bike path development, most recently regional bicycle planning, will be the new BBPC liaison from the Regional Planning Commission, the MPO, and the Transportation Advisory Council. Doug is also the project manager for the bicycle trail design projects in Williamstown, North Adams, and Lee. Doug has over 13 years of experience in regional and local planning including many bicycle and recreation projects. We look forward to working with Doug.
BRPC needs help analyzing Regional Bikeability
Doug is developing a map of road conditions throughout Berkshire County so that cyclists can make informed decisions when planning rides. Your help is needed to identify your preferred routes and provide input for what factors help you decide where to ride. Eyes on are needed to report back on road conditions and traffic flow. A draft map and information can be found at berkshireplanning.org or you can e-mail Doug for more information at dplachcinski@berkshireplanning.org.
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Count 2012
BRPC's intern, Eric Magazu counted trail users this July. He counted all the people crossing the entry gate to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Each user was counted by mode. The direction of travel was not considered (i.e. whether individual was entering or leaving the trail); If an individual crossed the gate and immediately turned around, they counted twice. The position of observation was near the restrooms at the south trailhead, adjacent to the US7 Route 8 Connector Road. The methodology for counting users was different than in years' past, but heavy use of the Trail remains consistent. This methodology will be used in the future so data will be comparable. While we appreciate all the volunteers who have helped with this effort in the past, we welcome the support of BRPC in this effort to collect important data.
NEW BICYCLE SYMBOLS IN PITTSFIELD
You may have noticed the a couple of new pavement markings that look like bicycles around North Street in Pittsfield. The makings are not unique to Pittsfield, but they are new to the area and are standard across the country.
The first marking, seen on the right side of the right lane is:
Experts recommend the placement and design of the markings for several different reasons. The markings help bicyclists stay aware of opened doors from parallel-parked vehicles, help them keep safe positioning when sharing the travel lanes, alert motorists to where bicyclists are likely to be, help cars pass bikes safely, and discourage wrong-way cycling.
The second marking, seen below, is to show bicyclists where to position themselves to 'trip' stoplights through the green-amber-red cycle:
There are also newer signs to guide bikers and remind motorists that we can share the road safely!
