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 Stockbridge and Lee and we hope that we will also be initiating discussions in Great Barrington and Sheffield in the coming year to determine 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.

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.

Overview Map - County Bike Path Projects
Bike Path Development Timeline- 5 Year Plan
Proposed Lenox Path Map and Fact-Sheet
Proposed Pittsfield Path Map and Fact-Sheet
Proposed Adams-North Adams Fact Sheet
Proposed North Adams - Williamstown Path Fact-Sheet
Proposed Adams North Adams - Williamstown Path Map

Trail Counts on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

BRPC performed trail counts on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail on Saturday, July 12^th, and Tuesday July 15^th as well as Sunday, May 4^th and Tuesday, May 6th. Weekday counts were performed from 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM. Weekend counts were performed from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM. Volunteers were 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, users were also counted based on their estimated age. 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. Total volumes represent the total number of one way trips being taken on the trail that day.

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.

The last round of 2008 trail counts has been scheduled for Saturday, September 6th and Tuesday, September 9th. Please contact Christine Neumann to sign up for a two hour shift.

July 2008 Summary of Trail Users
July 2008 Trail Count Data

May 2008 Summary of Trail Users
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.