I have just returned from a four-day bike trip in Canada with a dozen friends. We traveled hundreds of miles to have a chance to ride on the linear park and trail “Le Petit Tran du Nord.” It is easy to see that linear trails bring big tourist dollars and that rail beds can be converted to make perfect multi-use trails.

This trail was 120 miles from end to end and passed through many small towns with brightly painted restored stations that included little parks and delicious food. There was an air of festivity with bicycles coming and going constantly. We even passed by a group of perhaps 30 children on a trip from school.

Thanks to the foresight of Gov. John Baldacci and the legislative delegation from Washington and Hancock counties, we may soon have our own trail in Down East Maine. After 20 years of standing idle, the Calais branch will be converted to an 87-mile trail from Ellsworth Falls to Ayers Junction. It will go though our own small towns, alongside lakes and rivers, and be near the ocean for special side trips. It will certainly bring much-needed dollars to Washington and Hancock counties.

Most of these small communities do not have many sidewalks. The new trail will bring safe paths for all citizens (particularly the children) to bike, walk and visit all areas of both their village and the countryside.

Sandra Lane Johnson

Orono