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In a landmark achievement for cycling enthusiasts and communities across the nation, the Adventure Cycling Association has announced the addition of three new routes to the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS), pushing the total mileage to over 22,000 miles. This expansion marks a significant milestone in developing a comprehensive national network of bike routes.

The USBRS is a meticulously planned network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that utilize existing roads, trails, and other facilities suitable for bicycle travel. This initiative aims to eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes, enhancing opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and daily commuting by bike. The system promotes cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and stimulates local economies through increased tourism and business activities.

Tamiami Trail.

The latest additions to the USBRS include USBR 51 in Arkansas, USBR 76 in Wyoming, and USBR 85 in California. Notably, USBR 76 is Wyoming’s inaugural U.S. Bicycle Route. Additionally, Florida has extended USBR 15, creating a continuous north-south route through most of the state, and California has extended USBR 95 to complete its coastal route.

Jim Tymon, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), emphasized the significance of these expansions. “State departments of transportation are committed to delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that ensures mobility for all,” Tymon stated. AASHTO, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing state DOTs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, has been a crucial partner in this initiative. The partnership between AASHTO and Adventure Cycling was solidified in February 2021 with a memorandum of understanding, marking nearly two decades of collaborative efforts in designating new bike routes.

The new routes and extensions highlight the active transportation benefits of collaboration between AASHTO, state DOTs, and the Adventure Cycling Association. These routes provide safer and more accessible pathways for cyclists, fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle among Americans.

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are freely available to the public on the Adventure Cycling Association’s website, offering a valuable resource for cyclists planning their journeys.

The USBRS now spans 35 states and Washington, D.C., with over 25 states actively developing additional routes. Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes at Adventure Cycling, expressed her satisfaction with the network’s growth. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the USBRS network expand and to know that our efforts are making long-distance bicycle travel more accessible to a wider audience,” Hamelman said. She credited the program’s success to the enduring partnerships with state departments of transportation and local advocates.

As the only organization dedicated to the national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System, the Adventure Cycling Association continues to play a pivotal role in promoting bike travel. The association provides technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve the official designation of routes.

This expansion of the USBRS underscores the growing popularity of cycling in the United States and highlights the collaborative efforts required to build a robust infrastructure that supports active transportation. With each new route, the USBRS moves closer to its vision of a fully interconnected network, offering unparalleled opportunities for adventure and mobility to cyclists nationwide.