Transportation Planning

Franklin County Bikeway

Project Overview

Planning for a Franklin County Bikeway began over twenty years ago when a local group, called the Franklin County Bikeway Committee, began identifying ways to get around the region without cars.  Comprised of local elected official, planners, business people and citizens, the group originally formed in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s.  However, it quickly became apparent that Franklin County had much more to offer in terms of bicycling for transportation:  scenic, low traffic country roads; generally flat terrain in the central portion of the county; and numerous employment, educational, and recreational destinations that are close enough to reach by bike.  Changes in federal transportation funding in the early 1990s made it possible for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments to take the early vision of the Bikeway Committee, and begin working to build it.

Current Activities

The Franklin County Bikeway totals approximately 44 miles in length, and primarily consists of a loop through Greenfield, Deerfield, Montague and Gill, with a spur north to the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center and downtown Northfield, and two southern spurs: one to the Town of Sunderland and one through Leverett Center to Hampshire County. The Bikeway network consists of several “off-road” bikepaths that provide connections suitable for all levels of riders.  In addition, most of the network consists of “on-road” or “shared roadway” sections that make use of predominantly low traffic roads.  These sections may be suitable for all levels of riders in some areas, but some portions are best used by experienced cyclists due to higher traffic volumes and vehicle speeds.

The construction of the Bikeway is being completed in phases with the off-roads paths being built first.  The 1-mile segment in Greenfield known as the Riverside Greenway was completed in 2004.  This section runs along the Green River from Riverside Drive to Nash’s Mill Road and connects a residential area of town with the Greenfield swimming area.  In early spring 2008, the final work is being completed on the Canalside Trail, a 4-mile off-road path in the towns of Montague and Deerfield which connects Turners Falls with Deerfield.  This segment includes a rehabilitated railroad bridge that provides magnificent views of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers.  The shared roadway segments of the Bikeway are scheduled to receive signage and some roadway striping.  These segments will connect the off-road paths to each other and provide continuous routes to Northfield, Amherst, and Sunderland.

Future Plans

Ultimately, it is intended for the Franklin County Bikeway network to connect with other towns in the region and with bicycle facilities in Hampshire and Hampden counties.  It is also hoped that connections can be made with facilities in Vermont and New Hampshire, providing broader bicycle transportation options throughout the region.  The FRCOG will be completing an update of the 1993 Franklin County Bikeway Plan during 2008.

This page was last updated on 05/07/2008 .

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