I like bike paths/MUPs. I really do. They're great because one can ride from one logical place to another in relative safety without having to deal with motorized traffic. Many even have nice views in the areas that they're located in (I'm not talking about staring about attributes of other people whom the cyclist may come upon, so don't even think about it). They're also good for using abandoned railroad beds once the rails, ties, and spikes of the former rail line have been covered or removed.

One of these paths was built as part of a road connector construction project in Portland (Maine). The city heralded it with considerable fanfare for the day of its opening. There was even to be a transportation parade in which dignitaries and city employees in cars, truckers, organized groups of bicyclists, and even walkers would take part. As a member of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, I arranged to be a part of it and see the facility for myself.

The Road Connector Project begins near one of the bigger hotels and proceeds along the Fore River to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Although the completed project gave the people in motorized vehicles everything it was supposed to, I noticed something was not quite right with the bike path regarding bicyclists and walkers. While the people in motorized vehicles eased into traffic at the end of the parade route, bicyclists and walkers came to an abutment of a bridge that crossed the river. They had no choice but to turn around and go back to the place from which they had come. I like bike paths that have a logical purpose but this one doesn't seem to have much of one. What's the point? Might there be one in your city or town?
Discuss.