Missoula, Montana – Adventure Cycling Association, in partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, is proud to announce major expansions to the United States Bicycle Route System: four new routes in three states.
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.
The newest routes are USBR 37 in Indiana, USBR 51 in Missouri, and two routes in Kansas: USBR 50 and USBR 55. The 2024 year added 3568 miles to the system, when the routes added in spring are taken into account. This is the most of any year and brings the total milage to 23,186.
"State DOTs are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all," said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "Our partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association to continually expand the U.S Bicycle Route System is just one of the many ways states are meeting that goal. The four new routes being added to the USBRS network in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from the partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and Adventure Cycling."
Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.
"Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, advocates and state departments of transportation, and support of our members and AASHTO, these four designations in Kansas, Indiana and Missouri bring us closer to the goal of an interstate bicycle travel network of routes equally accessible to all," said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes at Adventure Cycling Association.
The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official designation of routes.
