HANOVER, MD (September 4, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced the release of the Maryland Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic Plan, establishing a bold vision for a safe, accessible and connected transportation trail network that supports communities across Maryland. The plan seeks to link people to jobs, schools, parks, transit and each other – while enhancing safety, sustainability and quality of life.
“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 Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “MDOT is committed to develop integrated, multimodal connections that link pedestrians and bicyclists to destinations, reduce reliance on motor vehicles and support the state’s tourism economy.”
The Strategic Plan reflects MDOT’s broader commitment to safety, equity and multimodal transportation., It supports the Department’s
Complete Streets Policy, a priority initiative for the Moore-Miller Administration to make roads safer for all users. It also fully aligns with MDOT’s
Serious About Safety initiative – an enhanced, department-wide effort to promote safety and save lives.
- Empower local communities to plan, fund, build and maintain locally significant transportation trails in partnership with MDOT.
- Prioritize safety-focused trail projects that reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries.
- Support vibrant communities by developing trail connections that link residents and visitors to Maryland’s economic, recreational and cultural opportunities.
- Complete a high-quality, connected statewide trail network that enhances regional mobility and accessibility.
- Coordinate across state agencies to align resources and funding that strengthen community connectivity and improve quality of life for all Marylanders.
Trails play a vital role in Maryland’s transportation system, supporting recreation, economic development, public health and accessibility. As part of the Plan’s development, MDOT conducted a statewide assessment of trail conditions and policies and created an
interactive map of existing, planned and proposed transportation trails. To support local implementation, the Plan includes three
practical toolkits on building project support, leveraging funding and trail operations and maintenance. It also recommends project selection criteria to help state and local partners align trail investments with Maryland’s safety and connectivity goals.