Maine Trails Coalition Releases Plan for Active Transportation Arterials
Contact: Carrie Kinne, carrie.kinne@gmail.com, 207-838-4488
Contact: Kristine Keeney, kristine@greenway.org, 203-530-7194
Contact: Silvia Cassano, mainetrailscoalition@gmail.com, 802-673-6990
BATH, MAINE. May 27, 2022 — The Maine Trails Coalition, joined by 7 other active transportation organizations in the state, today released for public comment a new report, Maine Active Transportation Arterials. The report (PDF) describes a regionally-connected active transportation network that directly serves all of Maine's 25 largest cities and towns.
The network is envisioned as an anchor for Maine’s active transportation infrastructure, much like the National Highway System provides for motorized use. The report recommends that the vision be adopted as a centerpiece of MaineDOT’s Active Transportation Plan, which they are preparing over the course of the 2022 calendar year.
According to Kristine Keeney, Northern New England Manager for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, “these arterials would transform the communities they pass through by providing a valuable resource for recreation, safe and emission-free transportation, commuting, exercise, tourism, environmental stewardship, and connection to the outdoors. That the plan hits every one of Maine’s largest cities and towns is amazing.”
Dave Kinsman, President of the Mountain Division Alliance adds: “Multi-use trails provide universal access to the outdoors for Maine's youngest in strollers, oldest in wheelchairs, and a safe trail option for all.”
The proposed arterial network passes directly through communities with a combined population of 743,000 residents. An additional 175,000 residents live in communities within five miles of the proposed network, making it locally accessible to over two-thirds of all Mainers.
The draft report is a preliminary release for public comment with a revised version planned for later this year. The public may submit comments here.
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The Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) was formed in 2019 as a statewide voice for trail users, supporters, and advocates. Trails provide enormous benefits to the communities they connect, from bolstering local economies and public safety to supporting healthier people and environments. MTC's mission is to champion the establishment, use, and stewardship of all types of trails in Maine, and its Leadership Team is committed to advancing the trails movement on behalf of the communities and people who live, work, visit, and play all across the state. For more information, please visit: mainetrailscoalition.org
