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Aong USBR 66 in Oklahoma 1 - Beth PickardBike Along Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma, Minnesotas 10,000 Lakes, or the Delaware River MISSOULA, Mont.

Adventure Cycling Association has announced the designation of three new U.S.Bicycle Routes in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Delaware, and the realignment and extension of additional routes through Indiana and Michigan, adding more than 650 miles to the U.S.Bicycle Route System and improving connectivity and the cycling experience.

National Corridor Plan

The new routes in Oklahoma and Delaware are the first U.S.Bicycle Routes in those states, while the new route in Minnesota is it’s fourth.USBR 66 in Oklahoma boasts the most rideable miles of Historic Route 66, the Mother Road, USBR 20 in Minnesota offers miles of off-road riding and several of the state’s 10,000 lakes, and USBR 201 through Delaware takes in historic sites and Delaware River views. The realignment and extension of routes through Michigan and Indiana were made based on feedback from cyclists and local communities, as well as the completion of infrastructure improvements and other projects.

It’s been 96 years since the iconic Route 66 opened to motor vehicle traffic in the U.S., said Jim Tymon, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Now, cyclists can follow the historic route for more than 400 miles through Oklahoma using the newly designated USBR 66.Aong USBR 66 in Oklahoma 2 - Beth Pickard

This latest round of U.S.Bicycle Route System designations exemplifies AASHTOs steadfast commitment to creating active transportation facilities in rural and urban America. The U.S.Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike.

It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity.U.S.Bicycle Routes are developed by state departments of transportation and officially designated by AASHTO. With the new designation and realignments, the U.S.Bicycle Route System now boasts 18,534 miles of routes in 33 states and Washington, DC.

At least 38 states are currently developing additional U.S.Bicycle Routes. Digital maps for all designated U.S.Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website. The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates the national development of the U.S.Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve the official designation of routes.

USBR 66 sign in Oklahoma - ODOT-BikeOklahomaWe’re excited to coordinate this project to build a better future for bicycle travel across the United States, said Jennifer ODell, Executive Director of Adventure Cycling. The latest designations are powerful momentum in this long-term effort. Highlights of the newly designated and realigned U.S.Bicycle Routes include Oklahoma USBR 66 429 miles USBR 66 crosses the state from the Kansas border near Miami in its northeast corner to the Texas Panhandle near Elk City on the west.

Following Historic Route 66, it travels through Tulsa and Oklahoma City and passes landmarks like the world’s largest concrete totem pole near Chelsea, the Round Barn in Arcadia, the historic Bridgeport Bridge from The Grapes of Wrath, and Lucilles Service Station in Weatherford along the way, USBR 66 maps. Links BikeOklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Minnesota USBR 20 188 miles From the west bank of the Mississippi River in St.Cloud, USBR 20 travels northwest, joining the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail to Osakis, then the Central Lakes State Trail to Fergus Falls, passing numerous towns and several of the states 10,000 lakes along the way.

The route leaves Fergus Falls on a section of the North Country Trail and continues to Maplewood State Park before merging with the Heart of the Lakes Trail to be completed this summer. After Pelican Rapids, it reaches Moorhead, the Red River and the North Dakota border on roads and trails.

Written by: Matthew Thomas