Cross the Bay Bridge on Two Wheels or Two Feet

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I am writing in strong support of making the barrier-separated shared-use path a mandatory feature of the replacement Chesapeake Bay Bridge, not a separately priced optional feature. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to build a landmark that serves all Marylanders.
Bridges with dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities have become destinations in their own right across the country, generating substantial tourism revenue and broader economic benefits for their regions. Given the Chesapeake Bay's iconic status, a shared-use path here would likely have a significant impact in Maryland. The Mario Cuomo Bridge over the Hudson River offers a compelling model: it has become a world-class recreational experience and a vital regional asset, and Marylanders who have crossed it speak of it enthusiastically.
The demand for this kind of access on the Bay Bridge is already proven. The annual Bay Bridge Run draws 16,000 participants from nearly every state in the country — all for just a few hours of access one day a year. A permanent path would unlock the stunning beauty of the Chesapeake Bay year-round, transforming the impact of the Bay Bridge Run into a perpetual economic and recreational engine for the region.
A path on the Bay Bridge is more than a scenic overlook. It also would connect to the East Coast Greenway (a National Trail from Maine to Key West), the 911 National Memorial Trail (which connects all three crash sites), and the American Discovery Trail (a Delaware to California National Trail)
 Beyond recreation and tourism, the path would provide a practical commuting alternative and serve as an emergency or maintenance lane when needed. Bridging the gap between Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s counties also would fulfill the goals of Maryland’s own 2025 State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan, maximizing the value of existing public investments on both sides of the Bay, including supporting the Eastern Shore Trail Network, and aligning with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s own 2024 Complete Streets Policy.
The decisions made today will define our state and regional transportation landscape for the next hundred years. 
I urge you to ensure the replacement bridge connects people, not just vehicles, by making the shared-use path a mandatory feature.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Your feedback is needed by 3/9</h1> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Don't let the Bay Bridge replacement miss a once-in-a-century opportunity </h2> The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has recommended making a separated bicycle and pedestrian shared-use path on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge replacement optional — despite calls from over 50 local, regional, and national organizations to include it as a required feature of the new design. The replacement bridge is a once-in-a-century opportunity to connect communities on both sides of the Bay and close a critical gap in local, regional, state, and national trail networks.  <h3 style="text-align: left;">How you can help</h3> Submit a public comment using the template in this form to urge MDTA to make the shared-use path a mandatory part of the replacement bridge. We've included a sample message you can use as-is or personalize. <h3 style="text-align: left;">Additional Resources</h3> <ul> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.baycrossingstudy.com/">Project website</a></li> <li style="text-align: left;">Helpful <a href="https://bikeaaa.org/2026/01/29/speak-up-for-a-separated-bicycling-and-walking-path-across-the-chesapeake-bay-bridge-replacement/">blog post</a> from our friends at Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (Bike AAA)</li> <li style="text-align: left;">Maryland Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (MBPAC) l<a href="https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/OPCP/MBPAC-20260116-Bay-Crossing-Recommendation.pdf">etter supporting the shared-use path</a></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.thebanner.com/community/transportation/bay-bridge-bike-path-advocates-meeting-TO5A7CJ3QJFZDCGZEQFFCNZC6Q/">The Baltimore Banner Story: Cyclists want Bay Bridge path to close a ‘critical gap’</a></li> </ul>

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