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Rumble Strips in Maine In Maine we have made great strides on improving road conditions for bicyclists. The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) fully recognizes the importance of bicycling, not only as transportation, but as a means of economic development in our tourist based economy. Bicycle tourism brings in $36.3 million annually in direct spending and, with the multiplying effect, accounts for over $66 million of Maine's economy. Experience in other states has shown that rumble strips have a direct and negative impact on bicyclists and bicycling. In many cases, the net effect is that the shoulders are no longer safe to bicycle. So far, Maine has been fortunate. The state's only rumble strips are on limited access highways closed to bicyclists. Given the curving nature of many of Maine's rural highways and ever-present hills, there is little argument for the installation of rumble strips on any other roadways. It is our sincere hope that MDOT's policy will continue to only use rumble strips on the interstate system and we encourage the Federal Highway Administration to put forth a similar policy. With each rumble strip applied on our nation's highways, a road is made more dangerous for bicyclists, and fewer people will choose to ride. More about rumble strips:
Better Bicycling in Maine Since 1992 |