The people of Northampton are fortunate to have Wayne Feiden and others develop so many bike paths going off in all directions through town.
All sorts of people use the paths to walk, bike, commute, rollerblade, skateboard, ski and walk dogs and babies. The paths are often in woods, and out of traffic. I have seen deer, fawns, bears, ducks and all kinds of birds, including a bluebird and a pileated woodpecker.
This year’s bike path cleanup day was held earlier this month. I alone carted off two big bags of garbage, cleaning only the short distance of King Street to Jackson Street. Some of the prize finds this year were three pouches of unopened organic snacks, a cat or small dog bed, four CD cases complete with 40-plus liquor nip bottles (I lost count), and a complete and functional bike wheel.
One of my pet peeves when cleaning my section of the path throughout the year has been the many dog owners who diligently pick up their dog’s poop, wrap it in plastic, and then leave it on the trail. Or worse, throw it off the trail. I guess this technique is to preserve the dog’s poop forever.
To say the least, all this garbage is disheartening. One can get very depressed picking up the myriad coffee or soft drink containers — lids, cups, straws, or the ubiquitous nip bottles from the beautiful surroundings of a path through the woods.
Are we teaching our kids the responsibility of their own actions, the preserving of clean, open space for all? Our bike paths are a small example of our respect for our environment. Let’s not use and toss any more.
Carol Varsano
Northampton