Author: editor

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently helped provide some $11.6 million in funding through the MassTrails Grant Program to support 68 trail improvement projects statewide.

[Above photo via MassDOT]

Those projects seek to expand and connect the state’s network of off-road, shared-use pathways and trails to use for recreation, exercise, and environmentally friendly commuting.

The MassTrails Grant Program provides matching grants, technical assistance, and resources to individuals, municipalities, non-profits, and other public entities. Funding for those grants come from two sources: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation capital budget and Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grants, managed at the state level by MassDOT.

Program funds go toward the design, construction, and maintenance of diverse, high-quality trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths, noted MassDOT.

“Outdoor recreation is directly tied to the economic prosperity of our state,” said Governor Maura Healey (D) in a statement.

“By investing in our trails system, we can give our residents opportunities to get outside, commute for free, and showcase all the natural assets Massachusetts has to offer,” she added. “This is how we grow our economy, cut emissions, and improve health outcomes all at the same time.” 

“Bicycle and pedestrian paths are a key part of … providing safe and equitable transportation networks which support the state’s transit, economic, climate and public health goals,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca.

“This grant money for 68 projects will help cities and towns build out the framework for creating a state-wide trails network and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts new trail construction will have for all those who live in, come to visit, or traverse through our state for work or pleasure,” she added.

Additionally, MassDOT recently announced the new, interactive Priority Trails Network Vision Map for statewide shared-use paths.

That map provides a centralized inventory of key rail trail projects that will help support an envisioned comprehensive statewide transportation trail network.

It specifically identifies approximately 320 miles of trails that have been constructed and are in use, another 24 trails that are currently under construction, plus an additional 60 miles of proposed paths that have been funded but not yet constructed.

The map also lists priority shared-use path project locations that either have been proposed for consideration or will be pursued for funding and development to help address key gaps in the network.   

The Adventure Cycling Association recently announced major expansions to the U.S. Bicycle Route System or USBRS, including three completely new routes and a connection from Alaska to the lower 48 states.

[Above photo by AASHTO]

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel, the association noted – eventually encompassing 50,000 miles of routes nationwide.

The three new routes are USBR 610 in Idaho, USBR 11 in Pennsylvania, and USBR 121 in Tennessee. In Minnesota, USBR 20 has been extended and USBR 45 and USBR 45A have been adjusted to incorporate new trails and improve safety.

Meanwhile, Alaska’s network now connects to Washington State via the Alaska Marine Highway System using ferries; the first time a ferry has been designated as part of a U.S. bicycle route.

“It’s exciting to see how the U.S. Bicycle Route System mirrors our European counterpart bicycle travel network, EuroVelo in a new way” by connecting to ferries, noted Jennifer O’Dell, executive director of Adventure Cycling, in a statement.

“By incorporating the Alaska Marine Highway System into the USBRS, cyclists’ horizons are widened beyond the Lower 48,” she added.

Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, noted that state departments of transportation play a significant role in the expansion of the USBRS by designating new routes twice every year.

“Those bike routes are critical to enhancing and expanding the active transportation opportunities within the nation’s multimodal mobility network,” he said. “State DOTs play a key role in helping foster more and safer bicycle travel options for all Americans and goes to the heart of AASHTO’s longstanding partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association.”

[Editor’s note: AASHTO and Adventure Cycling formalized their nearly two-decade partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding in February 2021.]

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.

With the new designation and realignments, the USBRS now boasts nearly 20,000 miles of routes in 34 states and Washington, D.C. At least 38 states are currently developing additional bike routes, Adventure Cycling noted.