Good news for bicyclists. The Department of Conservation and Recreation has a plan to build a network of paths across Massachusetts, adding on to trails already in the area.

"It is a beautiful path, really pretty ride, better than driving." The Norwottuck trail in Northampton is a favorite for bikers and walkers.

"We try to come up here every couple weekends," said Judy Grigely, a biker who often comes to the Norwottuck trail with her daughter. She says she usually rides to Whole Foods and back, but would ride on a longer path if the state goes through with a plan for a 100 mile bike route linking places like Lowell to Westfield and Belchertown to Northampton. "I think the possibilities are limitless. Some states aren't anywhere near getting bike trails in place for people, so there is no place to do any biking, I think they are gems," said Grigely.

But the trails would cost a gem, about $82 million. However, some bikers think the investment would be worth it. "Anything that encourages alternative forms of transportation I'm all for," said one biker.

They say more paths would make biking safer and enhance tourism. "The trail would add to Northampton and the area, and give people a way to have recreation." Already, Southwick and Westfield are moving ahead with plans to turn old railroad beds into new bike paths.