2011 BFC applicationBicycle Friendly Community Application
Name of Community
* Name of Community
Northampton
* State
Massachusetts
* Mayor or top elected official
Mayor Mary Clare Higgins
* Phone
413-587-1249
* Email
mayor@NorthamptonMA.gov
* Address
210 Main Street
* Website
www.NorthamptonMA.gov
Applicant Profile
* Applicant Name
Wayne Feiden
* Title
Director of Planning and Development
* Employer
City of Northampton
* Address
210 Main Street
* City
Northampton
* State
Massachusetts
* Zip
01060
* Phone
413-587-1265
* Email
wfeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov
Community Profile
The data in this section is gathered by the U.S. census. Click here to find the most recent information on your community.
* 1. Type of Jurisdiction
Town/City/Municipality
County
Metropolitan Planning Organization or Council of Governments
Regional Planning Organization
Rural Planning Organization
Indian Nation
Other
If other, describe
* 2. Population
28978
3. Square milage of community
* Total area
35
* Water area
1
* Land area
34
* 4. Population Density
841
5. Climate
* Average temperature for January
22
* Average temperature for April
46
* Average temperature for July
71
* Average temperature for October
49
* Average precipitation for January
3.76
* Average precipitation for April
3.83
* Average precipitation for July
3.95
* Average precipitation for October
3.96
* 6. Median Household Income
41808
7. Age distribution
* % under 5
4.1
* % age 6-17
12.9
* % age 18-64
69.2
* % age 65+
13.8
* Totals
100
8. Race
* % White
90
* % Black or African American
2.1
* % American Indian and Alask Native
0.3
* % Asian
3.1
* % Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.1
* % Some other race
2.4
* % One race
97.99999999999998
* % Two or more races
2.0
* Totals
99.99999999999998
* % Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
5.2
* 9. What is the name of your community's bicycle program manager?
Wayne Feiden
* 10. In which department does your bicycle program manager work?
Engineering/public works
Planning
Parks and Recreation
Transportation
Other
If other, describe
* 11. Are you the Bicycle Program Manager?
Yes
No
* Bicycle Program Manager Phone
413-587-1265
* Bicycle Program Manager Email
wfeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov
* 12. What percentage of the community's Bicycle Program Manager's time is spent on bicycling issues?
10% or less
10-25%
25-50%
50-75%
75-100%
75-100%
* 13. How many government employees, expressed in full-time equivalents, work on bicycle issues in your community?
1
* 14. Do you have a Bicycle Advisory Committee
Yes
No
* 14a. How often does it meet?
Monthly
Every two months
Quarterly
Annually
Other (describe)
If other, describe
* 14b. How many members serve on the committee?
* 14c. Which of the following groups are represented or regularly attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee?
User group
Law enforcement
Chamber of commerce
Public health
Planning department
Transporation department
School board
Parks department
Recreation department
Transit agency
Other (describe)
If other, describe
* 14d. Name of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair
* Email of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair
* 15. Is there a bicycle advocacy group(s) in your community?
Yes
No
15a. What is the name of the advocacy group(s) (if more than one, list them all)
MassBikes (Pioneer Valley Chapter) and Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways
* 15b. Are any of them working with you on this application?
Yes
No
* 15c. List the name of the primary group:
Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways
* 15d. Does this group have paid staff?
Yes
No
* 15e. Do you contract with this group for any services or programs?
Yes
No
No
* 15f. Who is the primary contact for them?
Nick Horton
* 15g. Email of primary contact of advocacy group
nicholas_horton@yahoo.com
* 16. What are the primary reasons your community has invested in bicycling?
Improved quality of life
Improving public health
Community connectivity
Transportation options
Climate change concerns
Decrease traffic congestion
Increase tourism
Increase property values
Cooperation with adjacent communities
Public demand
Economic development
Traffic safety
Other (describe)
If other, describe
17. What was your community's most significant investment for bicycling in the past year?
Over the past year, the City has invested in a series of bicycling projects that total about $13 million dollars. To assist and
encourage the development of bicycle-friendly projects and policies in a nearby town, the City has purchased a parcel of land
within that neighboring town's perimeters that will be dedicated to such purposes. Furthermore, a one-mile extension is 95%
complete to provide access to the City of Easthampton's Manhan Rail Trail, and a 1.4-mile bicycle path spanning into the nearby
town of Florence has been constructed. Lastly, an off-ramp for a 25-year-old bicycle path has been constructed, extending trail
access to a portion of town that previously had none. We have also expanded bicycle lanes in two key areas.
18. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the following year?
Three additional projects that will specifically improve cycling conditions are planned. The first project involves the completion of
the rail trail linking Northampton's rail trail system with the City of Easthampton's Manhan Rail Trail. Second, we are building an off
ramp from the Manhan Rail Trail at North Streeet. In addition to the increased number roads and neighborhoods that have access to
the rail trail, this project serves to connect locally-owned paths to state-owned paths. Third, we are going to complete the design
(but not construction) of a tunnel under an active railroad to connect the city owned Norwottuck Rail Trail with the state owned
Norwottuck Rail Trail. Fourth, we are going to advance the design of two other rail trail projects.
Engineering
19. Does your community have
a complete streets policy ?
a bicycle accomodation policy (a policy that requires the accommodation of cyclists in all new road construction and
reconstruction and resurfacing)?
Neither
19a. When was it adopted
2005
19b. Provide a link or attach a copy of this legislation or policy.
www.northamptonma.gov/opd/uploads/listWidget/2552/Northampton%20Transportation%20Plan--policies.pdf
19c. How was it adopted?
Legislation
Resolution
Internal Policy
Other
If other, describe
This was a comprehensive plan adopted by the Northampton City Council and Planning Board.
19d. What tools are in place to ensure implementation?
Implementation Guidance
Design
Manual
Training
Other
If other, describe
20. How do you ensure your engineers and planners accommodate cyclists according to AASHTO and MUTCD standards?
Training
Offer FHWA/NHI Training Course
Hire Outside consultants to train staff
Send staff to bicycle-specific conferences/training
Require project consultants to have bike/ped qualifications
Internal training or design manual
20a. Describe each checked
Staff attempts to keep up on training and reviewing of bicycle friendly design manuals. We are working with engineering firms to
review Main Street and King Street (our major in town and strip highway roads) to make them more bicycle friendly and to use
this process to educate our staff on state-of-the art designs. This year, for example, we completed our first roundabout, done with
outside engineering, but we used the opportunity to train staff and the community on how roundabouts can improve vehicular,
bicycle, and pedestrian safety.
* 21. What percentage of bridges and tunnels in your community are accessible to bicyclists?
95
21a. What are the exceptions?
The Interstate 91 is obviously not accessible to bicyclists. Bicycles are allowed on all other roads, some of which are more friendly
than others.
* 22. How do you ensure there are end-of-trip facilities for bicyclists?
Bike parking ordinance
Bike parking ordinance for all new developments
Ordinance requiring showers and lockers
Building accessibility ordinance
On street bike parking
Ordinance that allows bike parking to substitute for car parking
Standards for bicycle parking that conform to APBP guidelines
Other
If other, describe
23. How many bike parking spaces are there in your community?
23a. Bike racks
500
23b. Bike lockers
16
23c. Bike depot (i.e. Bikestation)
0
23d. In-street bike parking
6
24. Approximately what percentage of these locations have bike racks or storage units?
24a. Schools
91-100%
24b. Libraries
91-100%
24c. Transit Stations
76-90%
24d. Parks & Recreation Centers
61-75%
24e. Government buildings
61-75%
24f. Office buildings
less than 15%
24g. Shops
16-30%
24h. Public Housing
16-30%
* 25. Does your community have transit service?
Yes
No
* 25a. Are buses equipped with bike racks?
Yes
No
25b. What percentage?
91-100%
25c. Are bikes allowed inside transit vehicles?
Yes
Sometimes
No
If yes or sometimes, describe
* 26. What is the mileage of your total road network?
180
* 27. What is the mileage of your total shared-use path network?
10
28. List your current and planned bicycle accommodations?
a. Bike lanes
Current Miles
5
Planned Miles
20
b. Shared lane markings
Current Miles
0
Planned Miles
2
c. Bike boulevards
Current Miles
0
Planned Miles
0
d. Signed bike routes
Current Miles
0
Planned Miles
5
e. Paved shared use paths
Current Miles
3
Planned Miles
3
f. Natural surface shared use paths
Current Miles
1
Planned Miles
1
g. Singletrack
Current Miles
1
Planned Miles
1
* 29. What other innovative ways have you improved on-road conditions for bicyclists?
Road diets
Area wide traffic calming
Cycle tracks
Contra-flow bike lanes
Speed limits 20 mph or less on residential streets
Bike cut thrus
Way-finding signage with distance and/or time information
None
Other
If other, describe
We have added several new access ramps to the local rail trails. We are in the very early stages of exploring road diets. We have
installed one roundabout and are in the process of examining a second intersection to see if it is appropriate for a roundabout.
* 30. What percentage of arterial streets have bike lanes or paved shoulders?
50
* 31. What percentage of natural surface, trails and singletrack are open to bicyclists?
100
31a. What are the exceptions?
We have earthern trails are technically open to bicycles but would not be a desireable experience other than for mountain bicycles.
32. What maintenance policies or programs ensure bike lanes and shoulders remain usable and safe?
* 32a. Street sweeping
More than other travel lanes
Same as other travel lanes
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
* 32b. Snow clearance
Before other travel lanes
Same time as other travel lanes
Within 48 hours of storm
Never
Other
Not applicable
If other, describe
* 32c. Pothole maintenance
Within 24 hours of complaint
Within one week of complaint
Within one month of complaint
Never
Other
If other, describe
32d. Other Maintenance policies or programs for bike lanes and shoulders (describe)
Pothold maintenance does not have a policy per se of how quick the response is. The checked answer is based on what actually
happens in practice. Minor streets are only plowed once a year. Major streets, which is where the bicycle lanes are, are swept more
frequently, as indicated above.
33. What maintenance policies or programs ensure shared-use paths remain safe and usable?
* 33a. Path sweeping
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
The shared-use paths, because of the drainage system and the lack of winter sand used, remain safe and usable despite the
absence of path sweeping. They would be swept once a year if the need warrented.
* 33b. Vegetation maintenance
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
* 33c. Snow clearance
Before roadways
Same time as roadways
Within 48 hours of storm
Never
Other
Not applicable
If other, describe
* 33d. Surface repair
Within 24 hours of complaint
Within one week of complaint
Within one month of complaint
Never
Other
If other, describe
33e. Other Maintenance policies or programs for shared-use paths (describe)
Volunteers regularly participate in clean-up days and assist with trash- and vegetation-clearing activities.
* 34. How do you accommodate cyclists at intersections in your community?
All /Most signals are timed for bicyclists
All /Most signals are timed
Loop detector markings
Video detection
Advance stop line or Bike Box
Bicycle signal heads
Other
None of the above
None of the above
If other, describe
The City has recently constructed a roundabout, and a second is currently planned.
* 35. Are there other infrastructure improvements in your community to promote bicycling?
Yes
No
If yes, describe
Education
* 36. Do schools in your community offer a Safe Routes to School (or comparable) program that includes bicycling education?
Yes
No
What percentage of schools in your jurisdiction participates?
a. Elementary (percentage)
25
b. Middle School (percentage)
0
c. High School (percentage)
0
* 37. Outside of schools, how are children taught safe bicycling skills?
Youth bike clubs
Bike clinics or rodeos
Youth recreation programs
Helmet fit seminars
Safety town
Trail riding classes
Other
None of the above
If other, describe
* 38. Do you have a diversion program for cyclists or motorists?
Yes
No
If yes, describe
* 39. What have you done in the last 18 months to educate motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road safely?
Public service announcements
Community newsletter article
New resident packet
Utility bill insert
Bicycle ambassador program
Newspaper column/blog on bicycling
Dedicated bike page on community Web site
Billboards
Share the Road Signs
Share the road information in driver's education
Other
None of the above
If other, describe
To address citizen concerns, the Pedestrian and Bicycle subcommittee was formed and resides within the City's Transportation
Committee. Additionally, outside door rearview mirror stickers reminding drivers to watch out for bicyclists that attach to cars were
handed out.
40. What of the following options are available on a regular basis to your community?
* 40a. Traffic Skills 101 (or equivalent) classes -- including classroom and on-bike instruction.
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
* 40b. Cycling Skills classes -- three to four hour classroom training courses
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
* 40c. Commuter classes - one/two hour classes
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Never
Other
If other, describe
* 41. Has your community hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar in the past two years?
Yes
No
* 42. How many League Cycling Instructors are there in your community?
0
43. List active League Cycling Instructors (active means they have taught at least one class during the past 12 months).
44. Does your community have driver training for any of the following professional drivers that include information on sharing the road with cyclists?
City staff
Taxi drivers
Transit operators
School bus operators
Delivery drivers
Other
* If other, describe
This information is covered in the driver training course professional drivers complete.
* 44a. If yes to any of the above, describe the program.
As part of their training, professional drivers receiving information on sharing the road with cyclists.
* 45. Describe any efforts your community has made to ensure your education programs reach traditionally underserved populations.
Though only one of the city's four elementary schools participate in the Safe Routes to School program, the participating school is
the one with the largest underserved population. This school also offers clinics and small education programs dedicated to teaching
children basic bike safety skills. Furthermore, the Pioneer Valley Chapter of MassBikes hosts free clinics as part of Bike Week in an
effort to make basic bicycle riding and repair knowledge available to all.
* 46. Are there other education efforts in your community to promote bicycling?
Yes
No
* 46a. If yes, describe
There are currently plans to install new wayfaring signs that will be visible from major intersections to draw attention to the
various bicycle paths throughout the city. We have already installed signs to show the connections between two major rail trails in
the City.
Encouragement
* 47. How do you promote National Bike Month?
City Proclamation
Community Ride
Mayor-led Ride
Public Service Announcements
Publish a guide to Bike Month Events
Bike Month Web site
Commuter Challenge
Commuter Breakfasts
Trail construction or maintenance day
Other
No promotion
* If other, describe
The Pioneer Valley Chapter of MassBikes leads an intensive publicity campaign for the event that includes a Bike Month web site
and various promotions.
* 48. How many people participate in Bike Month events?
80
* 49. How do you promote bicycling outside of National Bike Month ?
Community Ride
Mayor-led Ride
Public Service Announcements
Trail construction or maintenance day
Summer Streets/Ciclovia/Sunday Parkways
Commuter Challenge
Commuter Breakfasts
Other
No promotion
* If other, describe
* 50. Do you actively promote Bike to Work Day or other bicycle commuting incentive programs?
Yes
No
* 50a. If yes, describe
* 50b. Approximately what percentage of the community workforce do you reach?
* 51. List the signature cycling events in your community?
The Northampton Cycling Club, whose mission is to promote fun, fitness, and health through bicycling, occasionally hosts
small-scale events throughout the area. Other bicycle rides are held by various groups.
* 52. Does the municipality sponsor or actively support any of these rides?
Yes
No
* 52a. If yes, how?
* 53. Does your local tourism board promote bicycling in your area?
Yes
No
* 53a. If yes, how?
* 54. Are there cycling organizations in your area?
Recreational Bike Clubs
Mountain Bike Clubs
Friends of the Trail Groups
National Mountain Bike Patrol
Racing Clubs or Teams
Bicycle Co-ops
Other
None
* If other, describe.
* 54a. For each type of club checked, list names of the organizations.
Cycling organizations in the area include the Pioneer Valley Chapter of MassBikes, Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways,
Northampton Cycling Club, and Northeast Greenway Solutions
* 55. How many specialty bicycle retailers ( i.e shops dedicated primarily to selling bikes and bike-related equipment) are there in your community?
2
* 55a. List their names.
F.J. Rogers, Co. Northampton Bikes
* 56. Which of these bicycling areas or facilities do you have in your community?
BMX track
Velodrome
Cyclocross course
Mountain bike park
Pump Tracks
Other
None
* If other, describe.
* 57. Is there a skatepark in your community?
Yes
No
* 57a. If yes, do bikes have access to the skatepark?
Always
Sometimes
Never
* 58. Are there opportunities to rent bicycles in your community?
Yes
No
* 59. Does your community have a bike sharing program?
Yes
No
59a. If yes, of what use is it?
Public use
Private institution
Other
* If other, describe
* 60. Do you have any current Bicycle Friendly Businesses in your community?
Yes
No
* 60a. If yes, list the names of the businesses.
* 61. Does your community have youth recreation and/or intervention programs centered around bicycling?
Recycle a Bicycle
Trips for Kids chapter
Earn a Bike program
Co-op or Community Cycling Center
Other
None
* If other, describe
* 62. What mapping and route finding information is available for your community which has been updated in the last 18 months?
Online route finding service
Online map
Printed on-road bike-routes map
Printed mountain bike trails map
Other
None available
* If other, describe
* 63. Does your community have other programs or policies to encourage cycling?
Yes
No
* 63a. If yes, describe
Enforcement
* 64. How does your police department interact with the local cycling community?
A police officer is an active member of bicycle advisory committee
Identified law-enforcement point person to interact with cyclists
No current formal interaction
Other
* If other, describe
The current police chief is an active member of the City's transportation and parking commission. We also have bicycle-mounted
police, which creates a positive interaction as well.
* 65. What kind of training is offered to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists?
Basic academy training
International Police Mountain Bike Association or Law Enforcement Bicycle Association training
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Law Enforcement Training
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Law Enforcement Training
Completion of Smart Cycling course by Police
Presentation by League Cycling Instructor or local cyclist
Institute for Police Training and Development bicycle training
Other
No training currently offered
* If other, describe
* 66. What enforcement campaigns are targeted at improving cyclist safety?
Helmet/light giveaways
Targeting motorist infractions
Targeting cyclist infractions
Share the road campaigns
Other
None of the above
* If other, describe
* 67. Do you have police department employees on bikes?
Yes
No
* 67a. If yes, what percentage of police department employees is on bike?
4
* 68. Are there any other public safety (e.g. fire department or EMS) employees on bikes?
Yes
No
* 68a. If yes, what percentage of safety department employees is on bike?
* 69. Do your local ordinances treat bicyclists equitably? (examples can be found on the BFC resources page).
There are specific penalties for failing to yield to a cyclist when turning. It is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane
(intersections excepted)
There are penalties for motor vehicle users that 'door' cyclists
There is a ban on cell phone use while driving.
There is a ban on texting while driving.
The community uses photo enforcement for red lights and/or speed
There is a state or local law that requires cyclists to use sidepaths regardless of their usability.
There is a state or local law that requires cyclists to use bike lanes where they are provided.
Cyclists are required to ride as far to the right of the road as practicable without exceptions listed in Uniform Vehicle Code.
There is a general restriction on bicyclists riding on the sidewalk.
There are local or school policies that restrict youths from riding to school.
None of the above
Additional information on any of the above mentioned ordinances as it pertains to your community.
* If Additional Information, describe
Several of these standards are statewide in state statutes, not local ordinances.
* 70. Are there any additional prohibitions or restrictions on cyclists in your community?
Yes
No
No
* 70a. If yes, describe
Bicycles are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk only in the downtown area.
* 71. Does your community have other programs or policies to enforce safe cycling?
Yes
No
* 71a. If yes, describe
Evaluation and Planning
* 72. What is the most current journey-to-work data for your community? (this percentage can be found in the U.S. Census or the American
Community Survey )
22.2
* 73. What additional information do you have on bicycle use for your community?
The numbers provided in this survey are from a couple of years ago, and since then, the City has added many new bike lanes and
trails. Thus, usage would naturally be much higher due to increased availability of trail access to larger portions of the City.
* 74. How many cyclist/motor vehicle fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years?
1
* 75. How many cyclist/motor vehicle crashes have occurred in your community in the past five years?
46
* 76. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce these numbers?
Yes
No
* 76a. If yes, provide the link to the plan or describe.
* 77. Does your community have a bicycle plan?
Yes
No
* 77a. When was it passed or most recently updated?
2008
* 77b. Is there a dedicated funding source for implementation?
Yes
No
* 77c. If yes, describe.
Staff funding comes from the City's general fund and capital improvements come from the local, state, and federal governments.
* 77d. What percentage of the plan has been implemented?
25%
* 77e. Are you meeting annual target goals for implementation?
Yes
No
* 77f. Provide a link to the plan or describe.
http://74.94.173.233/TAPCom/muni_transport_plan_review_200802.pdf
* 78. Do you have a trails master plan that addresses mountain bike access?
Yes
No
* 78a. If yes, provide the link to the plan or describe.
* 79. Is there formal cooperation between the mountain biking community and the community recreation and planning staff?
Yes
No
* 79a. If yes, describe.
* 80. Do you have trip reduction ordinances, policies or programs ?
Yes
No
* 80a. If yes, describe.
The City Code requires significant traffic mitigation fees for projects that add additional traffic to city streets and have no specific
plans to offset this increase. This creates incentives for local organizations to implement trip-reducing projects. For example, as
part of their recent projects, Smith College has brought in ZipCars, a campus-wide car-sharing program, and Stop&Shop and
Walgreens have funded new bicycle paths in the City.
* 81. Have you done an economic impact study on bicycling in your community?
Yes
Yes
No
* 81a. If yes, describe.
* 82. Do you have a mechanism to ensure facilities, programs and encouragement efforts are implemented in traditionally underserved
communities?
Yes
No
* 82a. If yes, describe.
The City is currently in the process of implementing individual health impact assessments that focuses on behaviors that are
beneficial or detrimental to health.
* 83. Does your community have other programs or policies to evaluate and/or plan bicycling conditions, programs, and facilities in your
community?
Yes
No
* 83a. If yes, describe.
We have a Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee of our Transportation and Parking Commission.
Final Overview
84. What are the three primary reasons your community deserves to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community?
* 84a.
Northampton as a social economy. Northampton is poised to become a unique community by capitalizing on its growing social
economy, and its bicycle friendliness plays a role in the development of its social network. Through businesses that visibly promote
the commitment to using human power despite a cultural dependence on motor vehicles, the City supports the development of an
alternative economy that offers increased opportunities for networking, gathering and social exchange of ideas. Support of
bicycle-friendly industry also enables the growth of cottage businesses that reinforce socialization. Given the slower pace required
to conduct bicycle-based businesses, residents are offered increased opportunities to employ intention when purchasing, selling
and exchanging goods.
* 84b.
Northampton as an environmentally-friendly community. Through its support of bicycle-based business and transport, the City
continues to encourage behavior that is less injurious to its physical environment. For example, the City has a strong record of
encouraging resident behavior that reduces traffic, air pollution and energy wastefulness. It strongly discourages single-occupancy
vehicle use. The City supports other kinds of reduced environmental impact via programs like the PACE car program, which
encourages residents to sign a contract vowing to idle cars less and farther from school zones and to use increased foot or bicycle
traffic whenever possible.
* 84c.
Northampton as a thriving tourist destination. The increasing self-sustainability of the City can be seen in the capitalization of the
natural landscape for bicycle-friendly tourism. The City is nestled in a well-preserved and inviting New England landscape. There
are rolling hills and forest to the east and farmland and the Connecticut River to the west. Historic downtown is accessible by the
Norwottuck Rail Trail, the oldest municipally built rail trail in New England. The Citys planning and engineering efforts have
created the ideal conditions for the bicyclist, whether riding for enjoyment or transport. Through uncommon intersections with
varied revenue streams, the low-impact capitalization of bicycle-based tourist opportunities serves to enhance the Citys
self-sustainability.
85. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists?
* 85a.
Maintenance of a physical environment conducive to bicycling. Although steps have been taken to make bicycling easier, much
remains to be done. The City plans to make further improvements in the following key areas: surface area clearing (i.e. snow
removal), traffic aid installation, physically disabled modification increases, and bicycle parking meter installations. Through these
and other improvements to the built environment, the City hopes to further encourage bicycle use for recreation and work.
* 85b.
Incentives for bicycling over driving. In order to continue making bicycling safe, convenient, and fun, the City is considering the
following incentives: financial and logistical support of bicycle-based industry like the Pedal People; tax incentives for individuals
and businesses who rely on bicycling as a primary mode of transport; expansion of downtown business and residential areas
through modest infill as a way of increasing bicycle dependency; technological improvements supportive of bicyclists such as the
installation of high-tech commuter messenger and business centers; installation of bicycle drive-thrus at area restaurants, stores,
and banks; and school-based educational and transportation programs that reduce family transportation costs and are
budget-neutral for the City.
* 85c.
By attracting bicycle enthusiasts and simultaneously encourage non-sedentary behavior of its residents, the City is considering the
following improvements: modification of state law to improve economic opportunities through enforcement of bicycle fines;
reduction of labor and health care costs related to increased bicycle use; increased tourism related to bicycling; increased use of
bicycle delivery by area businesses; generation of energy by bicyclists for sundry uses and perhaps even for resale to power
companies; industrial support of bicycling; use of bicycles by postal carriers; water-based bicycling for tourist or commuter use.
All of these improvements will further enhance Northampton's image as an arts, entertainment, and leisure destination.
* 86. Are you planning any new projects based on your completion of the Bicycle Friendly Community application?
Yes
No
* 86a. If yes, describe.
We have left the training and events to the private and NGO sector, but we may need to get more involved, especially in getting
those kind of sea changing events that change how people view transportation. We have seen a dramatic increase in ridership from
the rail trail openings and we may want to build on this in other ways.
* 87. Has completing this application made you more aware of what your community needs to do to be bicycle friendly?
Yes
No
* 87a. If yes, describe.