Holyoke Bike-Ped Committee Eyes Summer Rides, Flats-to-Friendlys Route

HOLYOKE — March 11, 2026 — Holyoke's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee heard a pitch for the city's updated state climate resilience planning process and sketched out summer bike programming at its March 11 meeting. Yoni Glogower, city director of conservation and sustainability, presented the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 process, a state-funded effort that will award $50,000 for a community-driven seed project addressing climate and infrastructure priorities; two community dinners are planned for March, including one at the One Holyoke Flats building on March 19. Committee members described persistent hazards for walkers and cyclists after snowstorms — crosswalks buried by plows, youth unable to reach bus stops, and snow-clearing that, members said, overwhelmingly favors cars. The committee also discussed organizing monthly summer bike rides starting and ending at Armory Yards, a proposed "Flats to Friendlys" low-traffic bike route with a companion map, re-engaging the Safe Routes to School program for bike rodeos, and distributing free bike lights to youth at schools and community locations. Valley Bike Share is expected to add two new stations in Holyoke, including one near the mall, with member cities contributing to operating costs.