(PORTLAND, Maine) July 17, 2024 – The latest recommendations to the Maine Climate Council include more active transportation (biking, walking, other mobility devices) elements than in the first round of the Maine Climate Council’s plan.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) has been a member of the Transportation Working Group of the Maine Climate Council since its inception and played an active role in the process to update the recommendations.
“As a member of the Transportation Working Group, I am glad to see more attention paid to both the section on Reducing Vehicles Miles Traveled overall, as well as the inclusion of more active transportations initiatives under that strategy,” said Jean Sideris, BCM executive director. “We will work tirelessly to ensure the implementation and funding of the active transportation initiatives outlined in the plan that will result in emissions reductions and other co-benefits such as improved health, more equitable transportation choices that benefit low-income and rural residents, and safer roads.”
Active Transportation Highlights
Under the second strategy “Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled” several active transportation solutions were included:
- By 2030, expand safe active transportation options by improving active transportation in at least 10 villages and downtowns, paving at least 75 miles of shoulder along highways, principally in rural areas, and developing a pipeline for high priority active transportation trail development that builds at least 10 miles of high priority offroad trails, if supported through special federal funding.
- Launch active transportation partnerships and pilot programs
- E-bike program partnership between MaineDOT and Maine Department of Labor (and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine) for underserved individuals seeking transportation for employment and healthcare purposes.
- Continued support for e-bike programs to give people opportunities to try a bike through community or work events and through library share programs.
- Expand e-bike rebate program to include an individual rebate for low- and moderate-income residents.
- Develop targets related to increased use of transit, active transportation, and shared commuting that are consistent with Maine’s statutory emissions reduction goals.
The draft recommendations are now open to public input. They are organized by working group and/or task force. The public is invited to complete the survey about how each draft recommendation may fit with their community.
See the 2024 Draft Strategies and Recommendation here https://www.maine.gov/future/climate/council/workinggroups/2024strategies
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is the statewide voice of cyclists and pedestrians. Since 1992, the BCM has led the effort to make Maine better for bicycling and walking by protecting the rights and safety of cyclists and pedestrians through education, advocacy, legislation, and encouragement. We support biking and walking for health, transportation, and recreation. For more information, visit www.bikemaine.org.