History of US Bicycle Routes In 1970’s interest in long distance bicycle travel proliferates

History of US Bicycle Routes In 1978 AASHTO establishes US Bicycle Routes Developed policies & guidelines Used same framework & processes as US Highway System

First US Bicycle Routes designated in 1982 But no routes designated since

The Vision Develop a coordinated and connected network of bicycle routes across the entire United States

Create a corridor plan for a network of bicycle routes that connects states on regional and national levels, spurs the development of new routes, and creates alternative transportation options. Work with State DOTs and other agencies through AASHTO to assist and encourage development and adoption of these routes. Educate the public on a national and local level, with the potential of increased bicycle mode share for transportation and recreation.

The Power of Designation The street or route name changes, but the designation goes on and on... With a consistent route designation, travelers can follow a route –Across town –Across the state –Across the country!

AASHTO Task Force on US Bicycle Routes State Traffic Engineers –Iowa, Oregon, Mississippi, West Virginia Roadway Design Engineers –State of Maryland, City of Springfield, MO State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinators –South Carolina, Pennsylvania Federal Highway Administration Bicycle Route Organizations –Adventure Cycling Association –East Coast Greenway –Mississippi River Trail

Organizations Supporting US Bicycle Routes AASHTO Adventure Cycling Association USDOT - FHWA Bikes Belong American Public Works Association League of American Bicyclists America Bikes American Trails Alliance for Bicycling & Walking SRAM Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professionals National Center for Bicycling & Walking The Lazar Foundation Education Foundation of America Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center New Belgium Brewing Company

PHASE 1 Collect, compile and review information on existing and proposed multi-state bicycle routes Completed in 2005 Report available at

Phase 1 - Collection of data on existing or proposed State, Regional, and Local Routes

PHASE 2 Develop recommended corridors to comprise a logical national system –Corridors are about 50 miles in width –Corridors are flexible - can change if needed Produce a map of the draft U.S. Bicycle Corridor Plan

Phase 2 – Corridor Criteria Identify: –Continuous routes –Routes of regional & national significance –Historic transportation corridors –Popular regional / national cycling routes Connect: –Population centers –Primary destinations –Scenic corridors

Starting Point… Inventory of routes overlaid by the proposed corridor system

PHASE 3 Develop a logical system of designations for U.S. bicycle routes Assign appropriate designations to each corridor –Clearly identify corridor –Accommodate future expansion & extension

Proposed Route Designations Five different proposals developed: – 1 or 2 digit (similar to US highways) –1 digit & low 2-digit –Single letter (alphabetical) –Name/Abbreviation (of route name) –Letter / number combination

The results will be more transportation options, more people cycling, better health for Americans, and a cleaner environment.

“We are writing to express our strong support for a U.S. Bicycle Route System … As enthusiastic cyclists, we believe that such a system has many important merits.” Congressman Jim Oberstar Chairman, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Congressman Peter DeFazio Chairman, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

Implementation State & local agencies determine best route along each corridor –Local organizations can help Route applications submitted to AASHTO by State DOTs Develop wayfinding tools –Maps, signs, trailblazing Expansion of the system –Spur & loop routes –New routes & corridors

Implementation 30 State DOTs + DC are working on establishing US Bicycle Routes Varying levels of progress & interest Regional meetings of states to work out connectivity & share ideas / support Concerns: –Funding (signs, maps, etc) –Resources (staff, survey) –Risk management

Implementation: State by State State & local agencies determine best approach –Identify & assess suitable routes within each corridor –Coordinate with transportation divisions, counties, townships and MPOs –Utilize local cycling organizations & volunteers –Align routes with neighboring states

Most routes will be on existing roads and facilities.

Virginia’s USBR 1 & 76 Part of their State Bike Plan Realigned Routes in 2007 Signed throughout state VA Bike Federation uses USBR 1 & 76 for events and club rides

Michigan: Volunteer groups identified best routes along corridors & performed outreach to local agencies Much of proposed route is on county & local roads May see approved routes as soon as 2011

US Bicycle Route Signing Sign design established in 1978 MUTCD 'Bike' equivalent to the US Highway shield

US Bicycle Route Signing New design recommended by US Bicycle Route Task Force & NCUTCD Submitted to FHWA

US Bicycle Route Signing Signing similar to other numbered routes Trailblazing Guidance Reassurance

Bicycle Route Signing 2009 MUTCD added many new bicycle guide signs NCUTCD working on additional signs Also may be used on USBRs

US Bicycle Routes Web Site: