Paths for the people

In virtually every part of the country, there has been booming growth in the popularity of off-road bicycling. And for several good reasons.

There's the scenic surroundings. There's the quietness. There's the chance to view wildlife. For many cyclists, there's the opportunity for solitude. There's the fact that it's a different kind of riding experience. But, truth be told, probably the most important aspect for the majority of pedalers is simply because there's no motorized traffic.

I've often written about finishing up most of my rides gliding along the six-and-a-half-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail (KRRT). Whether I'm doing ten or even a hundred miles, it is a relaxing way to wind my way home in Hallowell.

KRRT near Hallowell awaits repairs.

All these trails get a great deal of use. By cyclists, walkers, joggers, roller skaters, whole families with strollers in tow. The list is nearly endless. And most folks take it for granted that their favorite path or trail will be up to snuff every time they visit. However, from time to time, maintenance is required — even major repairs. Often, it is due to weather events.

So who is responsible for this work? And who pays for it?

Upkeep and the fixing process are handled differently throughout the country. Here's how it's done in two places: first, the Kennebec River Rail Trail here in Maine, and, secondly, in my native state of Michigan.

The KRRT ...

The maintenance of the Kennebec River Rail Trail is the responsibility of Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner, the four communities linked by the trail. There is an annual budget of $22,500, with each of the four municipalities contributing $4,500 and the fifth share of the budget provided by the Friends of the KRRT, a nonprofit organization.

If there is a problem with the railway line, which impacts the KRRT, the Maine Department of Transportation helps in dealing with the issue.

In Michigan ...

The following information was provided by Carol Fulsher, administrator for the 47-mile-long Iron Ore Heritage Trail, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"We are a little unusual, in that Michigan allows a recreation authority to be formed and this authority has the ability to raise a millage (property tax) if the residents vote it in. We do have a small millage from three cities and five townships that helps fund us. This allows us to use that money for leverage grants, pay operations, and pay for maintenance.

"So the authority is in charge of maintenance. The big maintenance stuff is bid out; smaller stuff — like mowing/sweeping — is a contracted employee (for now). We might hire summer staff, and we have adopt-a-mile organizations who do small trim jobs, leaf blowing, and garbage pickup.

"In other communities in Michigan, the municipalities who put the trail in are in charge of maintenance. If they run out of funds or have other priorities, the maintenance suffers. There is more money out there in grant format for development than there is for maintenance."

Regardless of how paths and trails are maintained, it's wonderful that they are available for all to use. Each one is a valuable asset to the communities they serve. The benefits are endless, with health and well-being uppermost in my mind. Give them a try, if you haven't already. Stay safe!