The Maryland Department of Transportation has released a new blueprint to expand and connect the state’s transportation trail system with an emphasis on safety, accessibility and community development.
The Maryland Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic Plan outlines a vision for linking residents to jobs, schools, parks, transit and one another while advancing “sustainability and quality of life.”
“Maryland has a strong and growing transportation trails system, and this plan provides a clear roadmap to deliver safer, more accessible and more equitable transportation options for all Marylanders,” Acting Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle said in a statement. “MDOT is committed to developing integrated, multimodal connections that link pedestrians and bicyclists to destinations, reduce reliance on motor vehicles and support the state’s tourism economy.”
The plan complements the Moore-Miller administration’s Complete Streets policy, which prioritizes safety for all road users, and MDOT’s Serious About Safety initiative to reduce crashes and save lives.
Developed with public input and in coordination with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other state and local agencies, the plan builds on the 2009 Trails Plan and the 2050 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Key goals include:
- Helping communities plan, fund and maintain local trail projects in partnership with MDOT.
Prioritizing safety-focused projects that reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. - Enhancing economic and recreational opportunities through expanded trail connections.
- Completing a statewide network to improve regional mobility.
- Coordinating state resources and funding to improve community connectivity.
MDOT said trails are a vital part of Maryland’s transportation system, contributing to recreation, public health and economic development. As part of the new strategy, the department conducted a statewide assessment of trail conditions and policies and developed an interactive map of existing, planned and proposed trails.
The plan also provides three toolkits to help local jurisdictions build support for projects, access funding and manage long-term trail operations. It recommends new criteria to guide project selection and ensure investments align with Maryland’s safety and connectivity priorities.
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