| Adventure Cycling Association is part of an initiative to develop a national bike route system called the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). We serve on the Task Force for U.S. Bicycle Routes and have provided staff support to AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) since 2005. AASHTO is a national nonprofit that supports the work of state departments of transportation (DOTs), including policy, design standards, and roadway designations. The AASHTO Task Force was charged with developing a national corridor-level plan and designation system that transportation agencies can utilize for the development of bicycle routes.
THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM VISION
The idea of creating a national bike route system is not new. Indeed, U.S. Bicycle Routes have existing since the late 1980’s (learn more about the history of U.S. bicycle routes). And many countries across the world have been working diligently for decades on creating connected bikeway systems. Check out similar systems already in existence in many European countries.
The U.S. Bicycle Route System that will incorporate the expanding network of bike routes across the nation including the Adventure Cycling Route Network and other existing (or newly developed) national, regional, and local bike routes. This network will be publicized, maintained, and upgraded through a partnership of appropriate public agencies and non-profit organizations.
WHY A U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM?
Cycling routes create viable transportation alternatives and positively impact rural economies. Bike routes also provide places for citizens to exercise & explore, offering a great opportunity for improving health and well-being, as well as connecting people to the landscapes and cultures of our fabulous country.
DEVELOPING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM
AASHTO became involved with designating national bike routes decades ago, however, there was no plan in place to help states coordinate routes. Recognizing that some sort of analysis was needed in order to have a feasible and effective system of routes at a national level, AASHTO established a Task Force in 2003. The group was tasked with developing a national corridor-level plan and represented various AASHTO committees and national cycling route groups (Adventure Cycling Association, Mississippi River Trail, and East Coast Greenway Alliance).
The Task Force followed a plan of action, which broke the work into a series of stages. An inventory of existing and potential state routes and trails (read the inventory report) provided the first layer of information. From there, corridors were developed with input from numerous agencies and organizations. Check out how the plan developed.
Though a number system was established in the 1980’s, the Task Force studied numerous options. The position paper documents five possible options. These were mapped and ranked on logical assignment and potential for future expansion. The two-digit number system ranked highest and is what the Task Force recommended. The four other systems included numeric, alphabetical, alphanumeric and named corridors.
In October, 2008, AASHTO approved the national corridor plan and states are now planning routes and preparing their applications for national designation.
SUPPORT THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM
Help make the USBRS a reality, donate today.
|
