FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Maryland Department of Transportation
David Broughton, 410-865-1029
The Plan will help strengthen trail connectivity, improve safety for all road users
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld listens to Talbot County Councilman and Vice President Pete Lesher during an event in Easton to announce landmark action plan to improve and expand trail connectivity in Maryland. (Photo by David Trozzo)
EASTON, MD (September 13, 2024) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced the Department is developing a landmark action plan to improve and expand trail connectivity in Maryland. The plan will guide future investment in shared-use paths across the state, helping to advance efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost alternatives to driving and prioritize the safety of all road users across the transportation network.
Updated for the first time in more than a decade, the new statewide strategic plan will focus on strengthening the connectivity of shared-use paths that are open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. As part of the process, the Maryland Department of Transportation will create an inventory of shared-use trails, study existing conditions and make recommendations for improvements. The initiative aims to leverage the use of available federal and state dollars to further the Department's goal of building a connected network of trails across the state.
At a Friday morning event in the Town of Easton, Talbot County, Secretary Wiedefeld was joined by residents, advocates and elected leaders and participated in a trail walk to kick off the statewide trails initiative.
“Shared-use paths are a critical piece of Maryland's transportation system and contribute to the Maryland Department of Transportation's goals of enhancing accessibility and connectivity, growing the economy, and expanding safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Walking along the rail-trail in downtown Easton, I know this is just one of many paths that will further connect communities and support tourism on the Eastern Shore."
The new Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan, to be completed next year, will align with existing bicycle and pedestrian efforts such as the new department-wide Complete Streets Policy and the State Highway Administration's data-driven Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, both of which aim to improve access and safety for all road users by requiring the addition of safety features such as bike lanes and pedestrian crossings in road projects across the state. The new trails initiative will also build on the foundation of MDOT's 2009 Trails Plan and the 2050 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to meet state sustainability goals and address growing demand for an integrated transportation trail system.
MDOT is partnering with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other state and local agencies to develop the strategic plan, working collaboratively to increase access to a larger network of trails that benefit all Marylanders.
“From the Cross Island Trail to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, we know shared use trails are popular across our state," said Sandi Olek, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “We look forward to working with MDOT to create better connections between existing shared trails, state lands, and points of interest. Providing safe shared trails that connect with places that people want to visit is a proven way to boost economic opportunities and improve public health."
This fall, MDOT will begin to take an inventory of the existing trail infrastructure, identifying the shared-use path network, missing trail links and unused rail corridors that can be turned into shared-used paths. Upon completion next year, the plan will provide a blueprint for prioritizing missing links and crossings and will deliver a toolkit for localities and other partners to complete trail projects. MDOT will seek public input through webinars and a trails survey and will provide progress reports to the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Earlier this week, Governor Wes Moore announced $16 million in funding for bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland, including $13.9 million in federal funding awarded through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program, and $2.1 million in state funding through the Maryland Department of Transportation's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program. Among the 36 projects receiving support are trail improvements in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Caroline County and the campus of Mount St. Mary's University. Funds will also help cover the cost of design and construction of shared-used paths in the Town of St. Michaels, along MD 611 in Worcester County and in College Park, Prince George's County.