Community Spotlight: Friends of Northampton Trails
Meet our May 2024 Community Spotlight organization! Friends of Northampton Trails fosters better public health and quality of life for Northampton’s residents and visitors by enhancing the trail network and conducting activities that sustain and grow the community of trail users.
We spoke with FNT President George Kohout about how the organization works to maintain safe, clean trails and encourage the local community to get cycling.
Note: In participation with Northampton’s 25th annual Bike to Work Week, join Sebastian Merrill for a free, all-levels gentle/restorative yoga class & social hour on Saturday, May 18th.
One of FNT’s monthly “bike parties” (family-friendly rides through Northampton neighborhoods).
What is FNT’s mission?
Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT) was created in 2006. In the past seventeen years the nonprofit has been a positive force in expanding the 11-mile trail network in Northampton, an important component of Northampton’s transportation system. FNT has partnered with the city in numerous trail-related grants that have grown and improved the trail system. Our community activities promote the safe use of the trails and increase the diversity of trail users.
What programs are you most excited about developing or expanding in the coming years?
There are two significant programs we will be promoting and growing over the next few years:
Bikes For All (B4A) diverts good, used bikes from the waste stream and matches them with new riders who cannot afford a new bike. B4A also brings together volunteer bike mechanics who offer free repair clinics to the public at large apartment complexes. These activities grow the bicyclist community and promote access and equity in the bike path network.
Arts on the Trail (Tiny Art for All) collaborates with local artists who develop projects along the trail network and promotes community art. FNT collaborates on fundraising and grants that support this work and sustain the area’s artist community.
FNT runs free bike repair events in addition to its Bikes for All (B4A) program, which matches used bikes with children and families who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
What is one simple thing an individual can start doing that could make a difference in the lives of those you serve?
Become a member and volunteer to help out with our projects that promote a safe and accessible trail network and safe routes to school, work, and chores. Visit our website to learn about our volunteer, membership, and sponsorship opportunities.
Join us during Northampton’s 25th annual Bike To Work Week (May 13th-19th). We encourage you to ride to work (Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17th), but also attend any of the free events that we have planned throughout the week. Local businesses* are also participating in the celebration, offering incentives to cyclists who prove they rode in by showing their helmet. Learn more.
*Sanctuary is offering Bike Week Participants a free Single Class Pass!
FNT hosts frequent trail clean-ups during the warmer months. In April 2024, more than 100 volunteers of all ages came together to spruce up the trails.
