Maryland Department of Transportation

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking to develop a Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan. The Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan (the Plan) will build on the success and foundation of the 2009 Trails Plan and the 2050 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (2050 BPMP) by inventorying the existing shared-use path network, existing maps of missing links, and railbanked corridors identified for transportation trails; identifying planned and programmed shared-use paths/trails; prioritizing missing links and crossings to safely connect the state across a low-traffic-stress/all-ages-and-abilities network; and identifying tools and partners to complete shared-use path/trail projects.

MDOT is partnering with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other state and local agencies to develop the strategic plan, working collaboratively to increase access to a larger network of trails that benefit all Marylanders. The Plan development kicked off in September 2024 and the final Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan is anticipated Summer 2025.

What is a transportation trail?

For this plan, a transportation trail, in short, refers to a shared-use path that connects to roadways and is open to public bicycle and pedestrian traffic, as well as most forms of micromobility, whether e-scooters, skateboards or strollers.

While transportation trails may be used for recreational purposes, they serve a transportation function by providing a low-traffic-stress facility between community destinations, not just within parks – it connects to the transportation network and is not used solely for recreation. While many facilities were constructed prior to its enactment, transportation trails are mostly American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)-compliant, enabling use by those requiring mobility devices. The formal definition of shared-use path as defined in the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines will be utilized: “Shared use paths are physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space, curb, curb and gutter, or barrier and are located either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Shared use paths are open to use by pedestrians and other authorized non-motorized users.”

What topics will be covered in the Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan?

• The importance of a statewide transportation trail network
• Analysis of existing conditions and spatial inventory of transportation trails
• Strategies/toolkits to help transportation trail implementers to build a transportation trail network including aligning funding opportunities​, building momentum with stakeholders, and maintenance

What work has been completed so far?

• Fall 2024
  • MDOT Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, local elected officials, trail professionals and advocates joined in Easton, Maryland on September 13th to officially kick off the development of the Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan. The press release can be found here.
  • The first Trails Technical Advisory Committee (a subcommittee of the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council) convening was held in October 2024.
  • Preliminary data collection and analysis began for the development of the draft transportation trails map and existing conditions report.
• Winter 2024/2025
  • Data collection and analysis continued
  • Development of interactive website, public survey and toolkits began
  • Draft existing condition report released
  • The Trails Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) convenings continued on a bi-month basis

How to get involved in the development of the Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan?

Be on the lookout for our upcoming engagement opportunities:

• Take the Maryland Transportation Trails Survey by May 9, 2025!
• Did you miss the webinar on April 3rd? The slides are available here and the recording is available here
• Attend a Trails Technical Advisory Committee meeting:
  • Next meeting is April 11, 2025. Hybrid meeting (online on Microsoft Teams and in-person in Severna Park). Please email mbpac@mdot.maryland.gov for more information