Mass Bike Pioneer Valley recognizes David with award
June 05 ,2007
Breaking Away
by Dan Crowley, Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 5, 2007
by Dan Crowley, Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 5, 2007
As chairman of the city's Transportation and
Parking Commission, Ward 4 City Councilor David J.
Narkewicz has worked hard to make Northampton a
more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city. He was
recognized for those efforts May 16 when
MassBike/Pioneer Valley presented Narkewicz with
its 2007 Bike Advocate of the Year award at the
Northampton Bike Breakfast.
"David has been a great ally and advocate for bicyclists in the city," said James Lowenthal, president of MassBike/Pioneer Valley in a statement. "He rides a bike, he knows the issues facing bicyclists, he understands why supporting bicycling is good for the city, and he works very hard to enact wise transportation policies that protect public safety, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life here in Northampton."
The organization praised Narkewicz for spearheading an effort to redesign, with the Department of Public Works, bike lanes along South Street, which now connect Route 10 to Old South Street and the downtown. He also led the development of a traffic calming policy which, while not yet approved, is designed to improve the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
"It was a surprise and an honor," said Narkewicz on receiving the award. "We've been trying to really work on a number of issues to try to improve bicycle safety and just improve the infrastructure we have in the city for bicycles."
Past recipients of the annual award include Ruthy Woodring, co-founder of the Pedal People, and U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, Narkewicz's old boss.
"David has been a great ally and advocate for bicyclists in the city," said James Lowenthal, president of MassBike/Pioneer Valley in a statement. "He rides a bike, he knows the issues facing bicyclists, he understands why supporting bicycling is good for the city, and he works very hard to enact wise transportation policies that protect public safety, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life here in Northampton."
The organization praised Narkewicz for spearheading an effort to redesign, with the Department of Public Works, bike lanes along South Street, which now connect Route 10 to Old South Street and the downtown. He also led the development of a traffic calming policy which, while not yet approved, is designed to improve the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
"It was a surprise and an honor," said Narkewicz on receiving the award. "We've been trying to really work on a number of issues to try to improve bicycle safety and just improve the infrastructure we have in the city for bicycles."
Past recipients of the annual award include Ruthy Woodring, co-founder of the Pedal People, and U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, Narkewicz's old boss.