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Date: 7/5/2023
NORTHAMPTON — During its meeting on June 15, the Northampton City Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of a statewide bill that aims to expand access to trails to people with all types of abilities.
The resolution, which was co-sponsored by City Councilors Marianne LaBarge and Rachel Maiore, supports the bill entitled “An Act Expanding Access to Trails for People with All Abilities,” which is being referred to the state’s Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources for testimony at an upcoming date.
The state bill, which is petitioned by six different legislators including state Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and state Rep. Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), looks to establish a state policy to maximize equitable access to trails, outdoor spaces, and outdoor recreational activities for people of all abilities.
“Outdoor trails help connect people with nature, inspire healthy activities, and protect natural places — while also fostering livable and welcoming communities,” said Comerford, in an explanation about the bill. “Too often, people with disabilities are not able to access public trails and the many benefits that come with this access.”
If passed, the bill — also known as S. 446 and H. 769 — would specifically establish a working group consisting of state agencies, representatives of groups focused on disability access, conservation organizations and others to help review the current status of access and make recommendations on how to increase access of these trails across the state.
“I am so happy about this because it’s something I feel is so important for everybody no matter what your disability is,” LaBarge said. “[People] want access to trails that are equitable for everybody.”
Amy Sugihara, a member of the city’s Disability Commission, said she is fully in support of the resolution because the state has a “woefully small number” of accessible trails, yet — according to Sugihara, at least a third of people in the state lack the necessary access to the trails.
“This bill, if it passes, will begin to rectify that discrepancy and will allow more people to access trails,” Sugihara said. “I thank you city councilors for considering this resolution and communicating with our state senators and representatives that this an incredibly important matter.”
The City Council passed the resolution with two readings and sent it to the state legislators before it goes before the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The bill was first brought to the House back in February before being referred.
“Accessibility is great for everybody,” City Council President Jim Nash said. “It just works out better.”