, /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore voters are seeking balanced transportation spending, prioritizing connectivity and accessible ways to safely walk and bike, according to a new poll shared by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA). The findings highlight a clear preference for a more equitable allocation of funds across pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, public transit and highways, moving away from the current budget which predominantly supports highways. When asked how they would distribute funds across transportation initiatives, poll respondents envisioned an allocation where more than 17% of the budget would support fixing and maintaining existing public transportation, and more than 15% expanding and building new public transportation.
Fixing and maintaining walking and biking facilities like trails and sidewalks received 14% of the budget designation, with an additional 13.7% earmarked for expanding and building new walking and biking facilities like trails and sidewalks. Trails have emerged as a unifying topic with a broad base of support.
voters recognize the importance of prioritizing trail development, with 58% of respondents indicating they are more likely to vote for an elected official who prioritizes trails for walking and biking. "We're seeing a compelling case for the expansion and prioritization of the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network, complete streets initiatives and public transportation in the budget," sai.
