SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The City of South Portland is thrilled to announce the launch of its first neighborhood byway. Spanning the Thornton Heights, Cash Corner, and Ligonia neighborhoods, the byway utilizes local streets and trails as an alternative to busier roads, providing a safer route for biking to the South Portland Middle School. The Sustainability Department is holding a launch party to familiarize kids with the route and promote biking to school. On the morning of Wednesday, September 24, 2025 beginning at 7:00 AM for 7-8 graders, and 7:45 AM for 5-6 graders, staff will greet participants at two starting points: Bishop/Huntress St. and Lincoln/Church St. The launch party will include a group ride to school and free drinks, snacks, music, and giveaways in Firefighter’s Park at Cash Corner.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
- Grades 7-8 meet at 7:00 AM
- Grades 5-6 meet at 7:45 AM
WHERE: There will be two starting points for group rides: Bishop/Huntress St. and Lincoln/Church St.
WHO: All South Portland Middle School students are invited to bike to school! Bicycle Coalition of Maine will lead safety lessons at both starting points, and then kids will ride with guides to Firefighter’s Park to share snacks, drinks, giveaways, and music before continuing to school.
WHY: The City’s goal with this project is to provide a safer route for walking, biking, scootering, or any other form of active transportation to South Portland Middle School. Access to bike lanes, multi-use trails, and sidewalks makes it easier and safer to get around without a vehicle. People-powered transportation (like biking or walking) fosters resilience, healthy and sustainable habits, independence, and joy.
The Neighborhood Byway Project Team worked in phases on this project, bringing it to fruition in 2025 with the help of a Community Action Grant. Sustainability staff closely collaborated with the Public Works Department to coordinate ADA accessibility, signage, road stencils and use of existing safe street crossings.
The South Portland Sustainability Department would like to recognize and thank our partners on this project: Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Portland Gear Hub, South Portland School Department, and Bike Bus South Portland. For additional information, visit the Thornton-Cash Neighborhood Byway web page.
Aerial Map View of the Neighborhood Byway
About the City of South Portland
The City of South Portland is a vibrant Southern Maine community of nearly 27,000 residents and over 1,500 businesses located on picturesque Casco Bay. www.southportland.gov