The Berkshire Bike Path Council is working to promote the establishment of a Vermont to Connecticut multi-use recreational path of approximately 75 miles. The border to border trail will utilize railway corridors and related off-road bike paths where possible along with on-road bike lanes. Through the involvement of community groups and towns the trail will extend from the Vermont border in Williamstown south through North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Lanesboro, Pittsfield, Lenox, Stockbridge, Lee, Great Barrington and Sheffield to the Connecticut border. This primary north-south route will serve as the central spine for secondary connections with diverse destinations, including schools, businesses, community centers, transportation links, recreational opportunities and other points of interest.
 
Over 30 cyclists joined the Stockbridge Community ride, which was part of the Housatonic Heritage weekends.. The weather was perfect, the scenery majestic and both the 8 and the 25 mile routes provided a  pleasant ride.  Thanks to the Stockbridge committee for a well organized event.

 
Having met with Town Officials, the Stockbridge Bike Path Committee is prepared to bring their proposal for creating bike lanes along Main and Church Streets to the Stockbridge residents so that a full and open discussion of options can be addressed.

The proposal will be presented  November 7 at the Select Board meeting at 7 pm, which will include TV coverage.  The public is welcome to observe, but only selectmen will be allowed to ask questions.  It will also be presented at a public informational meeting and discussion on Wed. November 14 at 7 pm in the Select Board Room at the Town Office Building.

We need as many people as possible to attend these meetings. As Skip Harrington, Adams selectman, mentioned at our last Board meeting, "the overwhelming support of bike path advocates from throughout the county helped the Adams selectmen appreciate that path development is a countywide effort.  It certainly influenced the way they  voted!"
 
Stockbridge's plan to improve the safety of cycling through their downtown is a model other communities may want to consider.  As cycling increasingly becomes a mode of transportation, cyclists will be heading to downtown areas to shop, dine out and enjoy recreational destinations.
 
With Daylight Savings approaching on Nov 4, it gets dark earlier and earlier.  Fall riding does not just mean colorful leaves, but it also means wearing bright colored clothes to make you more visible.  Those day-glow greens are perfect.  Half the fatal bike crashes happen at night because of poor visibility.  Mass Bike has forwarded some "friendly reminders to keep you safe and seen as you navigate in dim light."
·       State law requires cyclists to use a white front light and red rear light after dusk

·       Cyclists without lights are INVISIBLE, especially to drivers

·       Reflective gear including backpacks, neon pant ties and bright stickers will help drivers notice you riding near by

Also watch for wet leaves and fog.   Wear layers and prepare for changing weather. There are still some beautiful riding days left this Fall.

In Memorium: Dr. Bernard Collins 

Berkshire County lost a highly respected bicycle advocate this October. Bernie "Doc" Collins, a member of the Berkshire Bike Path Council Lee committee, was an active bicyclist and advocate right up until the time of his death. Bernie rode weekly with the Tuesday Play Group, a retirees bicycling group. He was also a member of the Berkshire Cycling Association (BCA) and often joined the BCA touring rides. In 1998 at the age of 69 Bernie rode his bike from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C. in support of the American Lung Association. Bernie's warm cheerful personality and quick wit will be missed by all Bike Council members. The Council appreciates Bernie's efforts advocating for safer bicycling throughout Berkshire County.