Pittsfield is bike friendly! In the spring of 2021, new bike lanes were unveiled downtown that provide a seamless cycling experience from Park Square to Tyler Street and back. The bike lanes are buffered on either side with 2’ clear-zones to better separate people cycling from open car doors and moving traffic. The North Street bike lanes are just one piece of a future safe cycling network that will connect major thoroughfares in the city including Tyler Street, Wahconah Street, Elm Street, and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Getting more Pittsfield neighborhoods connected with safe cycling and walking options creates a more connected community, a more attractive place for families to locate, a healthier population, and a cleaner environment.
There is also plenty of off-road mountain biking at beautiful locations such as Springside Park and Pittsfield State Forest. Photo credit: Ben Garver, Berkshire Eagle
Pittsfield State Forest
Located along the Taconic Ridge, sandwiched between downtown Pittsfield and the NY state line, Pittsfield State Forest is a great place to go mountain biking. It has over 256 miles of trails with a total descent of 30,783 ft with varying degrees of difficulty. Photo credit: Berkshire Bike & Board
1041 Cascade St. | 413-442-8992 | www.mass.gov/locations/pittsfield-state-forest
Pittsfield Skate Plaza
The City of Pittsfield worked with the nationally-known skate park design company, Spohn Ranch, to design this popular skateboarding and BMX biker park. An excellent way for the kids to let off some steam. Come check it out! Photo credit: The Berkshire Eagle
Corner of East St. and Appleton Ave. | facebook
Springside Park
A beloved and popular park just north of downtown Pittsfield, Springside Park is the home for Pittsfield High School Cross Country and Berkshire County Racing. Berkshire Cycle Association hosts the free Berkshire Mountain Bikes Series held here every Summer/Fall and in the past have hosted the Berkshire Cyclo Cross Races. Photo credit: Ben Garver, Berkshire Eagle
874 North St. | springsidepark.org
Ashuwillticook Coming in 2022
The Berkshire Rail Trail is coming to Pittsfield in 2022. The trail extension currently under design will travel along Route 8 for and then around the Unistress Construction yard. It will then go back up to the former Housatonic Railroad rail bed and at that point will stay on the old rail bed straight down to Crane Avenue. Photo credit: Ogden Gigli
Start of trail in Pittsfield: John’s Building Supply at 1 Crane Ave.