Opinion: Make Maine walkable again

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • August 30, 2026

Being able to walk to day-to-day destinations is important for the vast majority of Americans, but our residential communities aren’t designed for it. Mainers are no different. Local surveys and planning projects in Falmouth, Presque Isle, Rumford, Waterville and others demonstrate walkability is a preference across generations and across the state. Not only is pedestrian access to nearby amenities and services important for individual health and happiness, walkability is a proven economic engine that benefits local businesses and raises tax revenue for communities. Although cars have long been symbols of American freedom, we shouldn’t forget the foundational role of connectedness by rail, trail, coach and trolley in building our economic centers and freeing us to explore the best of what’s out there. ~ Aaron R. Hanlon, Waterville