History of US Bicycle RoutesHistory of US Bicycle RoutesIn 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 www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs

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

www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs

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.”

CongressmanJim OberstarChairman,Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

Congressman Peter DeFazioChairman,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: www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs