AASHTO Journal - New Routes Added to U.S. Bicycle Route System

The U.S. States Bicycle Route System or USBRS recently exceeded more than 20,000 miles with the addition of three new routes and the expansion of an existing route.

[Above photo by Caltrans]

The three new routes are USBR 51 in Arkansas, USBR 85 in California, and USBR 76 in Wyoming, making it the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route. Additionally, Florida extended USBR 15 to go north-south through most of the state and California extended USBR 95 to finish the coastline.

Digital USBRS maps are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website, which noted that with the addition of these new designation and realignments, the USBRS now boasts over 22,000 miles of routes in 35 states and Washington, D.C. – with 25 states currently developing additional bike byways.

“It’s satisfying to see the USBRS network grow and know that we are playing a part in making long distance bicycle travel more accessible to more people through these routes,” said Jenn Hamelman, director of routes for Adventure Cycling, in a statement. “None of this would be possible without new and long-standing partnerships with state departments of transportation and local advocates.”

State DOTs develop bicycle routes, which the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials then officially designates within the USBRS. In February 2021, AASHTO and Adventure Cycling signed a memorandum of understanding or MOU to formalize their now 17-year partnership to create a national 50,000-mile bicycle route network.

Twice each year, AASHTO’s U.S. Route Numbering Special Committee reviews and recommends to the AASHTO Board of Directors revisions, additions, or deletions to the U.S. numbered routes and Interstate Highway System.

The special committee also reviews and recommends the approval of new and revised U.S. bicycle trails that are critical to the expansion of the USBRS.

“State DOTs are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director.

“The recent additions to and expansion of the USBRS network by Arkansas, California, Florida, and Wyoming further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and the Adventure Cycling Association,” Tymon said.

[Editor’s Note: Adventure Cycling Association is looking to better understand the needs and experiences of the USBRS community through a survey. You can access that survey here.]