For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Shoshana Hoose, Communications Coordinator
207-623-4511
shoshana@BikeMaine.org

LEGISLATORS, OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN BIKE TOUR AND WALK

Augusta, Maine –– Governor John Baldacci greeted a crowd of about 75 legislators, state officials and bicycling enthusiasts at the Statehouse grounds Wednesday for an early morning bike ride and walk designed to draw attention to bicycling issues and trail development.

Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess (R-Cumberland), Senate President Beth Edmonds (D-Freeport) and Rep. Dick Woodbury (I-Yarmouth) participated in the Legislative Bike Tour and Walk.

Participants included Attorney General Steve Rowe, Maine Senate President Beth Edmonds and more than a dozen state representatives and senators. Professional hockey player Eric Weinrich, the spokesperson for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, joined the bike tour from Augusta to Hallowell and along the Kennebec River Rail Trail.

Sponsored by the Maine Legislature's Biking and Walking Caucus and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, the bike tour and walk included stops to discuss bicycling and walking in Maine for tourism promotion, better health, a cleaner environment and economic development.

A bill now before the legislature, LD 1808, would make a number of changes to Maine bicycling law primarily aimed at improving safety. The bill's provisions include a requirement that cars leave at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. The Transportation Committee unanimously voted for the bill, which now goes to the full House.

Forty state representatives and senators have joined the Maine Biking and Walking Caucus. The bike tour and walk coincided with the legislature's annual Transportation Day.

Jeffrey Miller, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, talked to the legislative bike tour about bicycle safety. In the foreground is Rep. Richard Cleary (D-Houlton).

Governor John Baldacci talks to Marc Pitman, director of the Inland Foundation in Waterville, and his son, Caleb, before the ride.

Advocating bicycling safety, education and access in Maine since 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is working to make Maine accessible and safe for all residents and visitors so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM also promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation and fun to enhance our communities, environment and economy.

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