Frequently Asked Questions

I am planning a trip to Maine to go bicycle touring. What information can you send me?

We have a standard trip information packet that includes our State Bicycle Map, 25 Maine Bike Tours, and much more. Exploremaine.org offers a Bicycle Touring section that is part of the Bike and Pedestrian section. There are 25 different tours around the State of Maine. For more information on these tours and to download maps, please visit www.exploremaine.org.

Do you have a Bicycle Map of Maine?

Click here to e-mail your name and address and we’ll send you the packet.

I would like a bike path, sidewalk, or improved roads for bicycling in my community. What do I do?

The first step is to gain support within your municipality for this project. Request your municipality to sponsor this project (they will have to pay for 20% of the cost of the project as a local share) and then submit an application to MaineDOT.

Applications will next be accepted in the summer of 2010 for funding in the years 2011 and 2012. Competition for projects among municipalities is competitive and there is no guarantee the project will be funded. Communities are encouraged to:

define the project scope,
determine the project cost, and
obtain any necessary right of way prior to the application process.

Contact Dan Stewart, our Bike/Ped Coordinator if you would like to have him come to your community to discuss a future project

I have observed some unsafe conditions for bicycling on the streets or roads where I bicycle. What can I do to have these repaired?

Go to the SpotME section of this webpage and fill out the form.

I would like to buy some bike storage racks for my community or place of business. How can I do this?

A good reference website is http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/de/park.htm for information on manufacturers and products.

What are the laws regarding bicycle safety in Maine?

The only roads from which bicycles are prohibited are Interstates 95, 195, 295, and 495 as well as the section of Route 1 between Brunswick and Bath (a distance of ten miles). Bicycles are regarded as a vehicle and are subject to all motor vehicle laws of the State of Maine. See the statutes regarding bikeways or bicycle riding for the complete text.

Where can I get information on how to teach bicycle safety to children?

Copies of the publication, "Be a Safe Bike Driver" are available for free through the Office of Passenger Transportation. This publication is written at a level for children of middle-school age. E-mail bike info or call (207) 624-3250 to request copies.

What do I need to consider for safety when riding?

Wear a helmet. This is the most important piece of safety equipment.
Inspect your bike
Obey all traffic laws
Look and signal before turning
Ride with the flow of traffic -not against it.
Use a light when riding at night. Reflectors are not enough.

I would like to commute to work by bicycle. What do I need to consider?

Bicycle commuters need to consider their clothes, their bike and the route they will take. For clothes wear what you’ll keep on all day especially if the route is short and flat. Take a towel for freshening up. If you want to change once you get to work, carry your clothes in a pack or stash a set the day before. As for your bike, check that your brakes, gears, and wheels are in good condition. Make sure anything you bring with you is secured safely to the bike. Check out a safe place at work to lock your bike. Pick a route that avoids traffic as much as possible.

E-Mail bike info with any questions or comments you may have.