PSAC was created in 2019 as a volunteer research and advocacy group primarily looking into matters of concern related to pedestrian and bicycle safety and infrastructure. More recently, the areas of concern have expanded. PSAC operates (either by monthly Zoom or in-person meetings) by bringing matters and suggested solutions to the attention of the Town Select Boards and Planning Boards. Our members have made important contributions to the development of the ten-year 2025 Damariscotta Comprehensive Plan.
Damariscotta and Newcastle are villages in Mid Coast Maine with populations of 2300 and 1800, respectively. During the summer months, Damariscotta in particular has a significant additional population of summer visitors, and furthermore, operates as a service center for the region including the entire 15-mile long Pemaquid Peninsula and its towns. The twin villages are connected by a bridge crossing the Damariscotta River.
The work and contributions of PSAC were initially focused on Damariscotta, but from 2024 onwards have also embraced the needs of Newcastle, Nobleboro, and the local region.
Pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian trails)
Bicycle infrastructure (bicycle racks, bicycle paths, bicycle trails, Shoulders on roadways)
Public Transportation
Climate Resiliency
ADA compatibility
Health aspects of walking and cycling
Sidewalk Design and Trees
National Trends
Recreation and pedestrian water access
Comprehensive Plan elements implementation
Under the new leadership, it is expected that there will be a new focus and allocation of responsibilities, but the following represents the portfolio that was being pursued by PSAC during the first half of 2025. PSAC is currently pursuing a portfolio of over a dozen projects, mostly in Damariscotta at this stage, summarized below. The focus is moving to include Newcastle projects within the mix.
PSAC provides articles in Lincoln County News via the “Sole and Tread” column. Below is the list of the published Sole and Tread articles in 2024 and 2025:
Current active membership, and affiliations, of PSAC includes:
In September 2025, a new process was introduced by the new PSAC leadership, which involves quarterly meetings and “Sole and Tread” updates. The future dates (2025 and 2026) for the PSAC meeting participation and associated “Sole and Tread” status update article will be:
Please contact us with any queries at [email protected]
