The creation of a bicycle and pedestrian trail that extends the entire length of the County and connects with Vermont and Connecticut would be a terrific asset to Berkshire County. It would not only enhance the quality of life for residents and provide recreational opportunities, but it would also create an alternative mode of transportation to alleviate congestion, improve air quality and reduce vehicular accidents. Bike/ped trails offer healthy recreational and transportation options for children and adults alike and would also contribute to this area’s tourism.

The Countywide bike path has been in the BRPC’s Regional Transportation Plan in both 2003 and 2007. BRPC has taken a lead role in coordinating bike path planning efforts. Several communities have addressed the need for bicycling and walking facilities in their Master Plans, Open Space and Recreation Plans and in their Community Development Plans.

BRPC has been working with Pittsfield, Adams, North Adams, Williamstown and Lenox to advance consideration of bike path projects. BRPC has recently connected with community groups in Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington and Sheffield and is actively involved in determining the direction of the “spine” through South County. BRPC plans to work with communities to develop the border to border “spine” to which future trails, or spurs, can attach.

The Berkshire Bike Path Council is a volunteer advocacy organization dedicated to improving bicycling accommodations in Berkshire County. Please visit their website for more information: www.berkshirebikepath.com

Berkshire Bike Path Route Information
In most cases, future bike path routes are general and conceptual. Although the actual locations have not yet been finalized, the following maps and fact sheets provide information on working concepts.

Bicycling Through the Berkshires
Berkshire Bike Path Council’s 2009 County Wide Vision Map

Overview Map - 2008 County Bike Path Projects
Bike Path Development Timeline- 5 Year Plan

Community Maps and Fact Sheets
Stockbridge Vision Map
Proposed Lenox Path Map and Fact-Sheet
Proposed Lee Path Alternatives Map and Fact-Sheet
Proposed Pittsfield Path Map and Fact-Sheet
Proposed Adams-North Adams Fact Sheet
Proposed North Adams - Williamstown (Mohawk) Path Fact-Sheet
Proposed Adams North Adams - Williamstown Path Map

Trail Counts on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

BRPC performs a series of three trail counts on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail throughout the year. The first set of counts are performed at the beginning of May. The second set of counts are performed during the second week in July in order to avoid the July 4^th holiday. The third set of counts are conducted during the second week in September to avoid the Labor Day holiday. Whenever possible, weekday counts are performed from 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM. Weekend counts are performed from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Volunteers are stationed at three locations: Berkshire Mall Road in Lanesborough, Farnam’s Road in Cheshire, and Russell Field in Adams. Users were counted based on their mode of travel. In July 2008, the count form was updated to include age classification. The following modes of travel were identified: walking, jogging, bicycling, and in-line skating. Bicyclists and skaters without helmets were counted separately, and users from each of these groups with baby strollers were also identified. A separate column was provided for users with disabilities and another column was provided for “other” users including scooters, skateboards and tandem bicycles.

NOTE: Volunteers were not asked to count each user but rather, the number of one way trips they saw. This way volunteers were not required to remember if they had already seen a particular user before. Volunteers were not required to note the direction of travel. Therefore, total volumes represent the total number of one way trips being taken on the trail that day. Because of the relatively short length of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, it is possible that trail users were counted at more than one location.

For more complete information, please refer to the following links. The information provided in the links below summarizes the total volumes and most popular modes of travel for each location. Please contact Christine Neumann with questions or comments regarding the trail counts.

May 2009 Trail Count Summary
May 2009 Trail Count Data

September 2008 Trail Count Summary
September 2008 Trail Count Data

July 2008 Trail Count Summary
July 2008 Trail Count Data

May 2008 Trail Count Summary
May 2008 Trail Count Data

Berkshire Bicycling & Walking Plan

The goal of the Bicycling & Walking Transportation Plan is to make it safer and more convenient for people who want or need to bicycle or walk places, especially common destinations such as downtowns or schools.