July 29, 2019 (PORTLAND, Maine) – The recipients of the 2019 BikeMaine Community Grants include the towns of Fort Kent, Pittsfield, and Rangeley, as well as the Washington County Council of Governments. These grants fund various bicycle and pedestrian projects and are awarded after the completion of BikeMaine each year. Any former host community is eligible to apply.
Fort Kent received $3,750 for the installation of two flashing pedestrian crosswalk lights. This infrastructure will enhance the connectivity of the Fish River Greenway multi-use path.
The Town of Pittsfield was awarded $2,500 for the instillation of five bike racks throughout town as part of a larger effort to promote new bicycle events and increase bicycle usage by residents.
The Washington County Council of Governments will receive $5,000 to complete the installation of signage for the 350-mile Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway. This project will make the Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway the first fully signed scenic bikeway in Maine.
Rangeley was awarded $3,750 to help improve a section of the Hatchery Brook Trail and make it more suitable for mountain biking.
BikeMaine organizers say they are thrilled to be able to support bike/ped efforts in these communities, all of which have been generous enough to support the ride in past years.
“Without these communities, BikeMaine just wouldn’t be the same,” said Ride Director Will Elting. “These communities make BikeMaine a truly authentic experience.”
By helping these former host communities implement better biking and walking infrastructure, the Community Grant Program also supports the efforts of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine—the non-profit that operates the BikeMaine event—to improve cycling and walking amenities across the state.