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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > New Bike Commute Map
New Bike Commute Map
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New map designed to encourage bike commute
By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent
A revised regional bicycling map was distributed recently to local bike shops by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) which it hopes will encourage area residents when possible to commute to work to fight pollution, stay fit and to save money.
The Pioneer Valley Regional Bike Map, last updated in 1983, is designed as a tool for use by area experienced bicyclists and it is urged that no one under the age of 15 should ride any portion of the routes without experienced supervision by an adult. The PVPC also encourages area residents to use the map for recreational purposes.
The map features local landmarks and popular destinations, on-road cycling routes, and bike paths across the region. In addition, a host of safety tips and commuting information is provided, as well as useful websites for more information on biking.
One of the features of the bike map is its texture printed on weather-resistant material that uses fade-resistant inks - cyclists can mark off favorite routes and popular destination points.
The bicycling routes shown on the map went through a rigorous process of measuring travel lane width, traffic volume, shoulder width, vehicle speed and parking along roadway segments. In addition, the routes were evaluated using a Federal Highway Administration Bicycle Suitability Analysis rating system.
Once the proposed routes were determined, the PVPC asked more than 20 experienced area cyclists to test out the identified routes. Cyclists' input included preferred routes and important destinations including colleges, parks and major employers. Cyclists who participated in the project are members of the Springfield Cyclonauts, Northeast Sports Cyclists, MassBike Pioneer Valley and the Franklin-Hampshire Freewheelers.
The PVPC stresses that the routes are presented as the best available in the given area. The "alternate routes" are considered less acceptable due to poorer pavement, reduced sight distance, less width, or traffic conditions.
Maps are available free at bike shops and select locations throughout the Pioneer Valley and are also available for a $3 shipping and handling fee by calling the PVPC.
The bike map was produced as part of a $108,000 Share the Road Transportation Demand Management funding program with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. The grant also included the purchase of bike racks, an educational brochure for motorists on bicycling, the state's "rules of the road," bike route signs and a series of public education and outreach media spots.
Funding for the map, which was printed by AM Lithography Corporation of Chicopee, was provided by the Federal Highway Administration and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation through the Transportation Demand Management Program.
For more information on the bike map, call the PVPC at 781-6045.
For more information on classes on bicycling and bicycle maintenance, call MassBike at 542-BIKE or visit www.massbike.org.
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