HANOVER, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released a new Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic Plan, a blueprint for expanding and improving the state’s trail network. The plan aims to create a safe, accessible, and connected system of trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, linking communities to jobs, schools, parks, and transit.
The plan, released on Thursday, builds upon previous MDOT plans and was developed with input from the public and other state and local agencies. It reflects MDOT’s “Serious About Safety” initiative and its “Complete Streets Policy,” both of which prioritize making roads safer for all users, including those not in motor vehicles.
“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,” said Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle.
Key objectives of the plan include:
- Empowering local communities to partner with MDOT on building and maintaining trails.
- Prioritizing safety-focused projects to reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
- Supporting local economies by connecting residents and visitors to economic, recreational, and cultural destinations.
- Completing a high-quality, statewide trail network to enhance regional mobility.
- Coordinating across state agencies to align funding and resources.
To support the plan’s implementation, MDOT has created an interactive map of existing and proposed trails and developed toolkits for local communities on topics such as leveraging funding and trail maintenance.
