Encouraging bicycling as an alternative transportation system means increasing the convenience of that system for all users.

THE VISION
Our goal is to help create a U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) that would incorporate an expanding network of bike routes criss-crossing the nation including the Adventure Cycling Route Network and other existing (or newly developed) national, regional, and local bike routes. This coordinated bike route network will be publicized, maintained, and upgraded through a partnership of appropriate public agencies and non-profit organizations.

The USBRS will link regions across the country, regions with important scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational value, including metropolitan areas. The end result will be a national network of bike routes that will connect communities and ensure opportunities for future generations to travel by bicycle throughout North America.

HOW WE'RE DOING IT
Adventure Cycling Association is a member of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASTHO) Task Force for U.S. Bicycle Routes. We provide staff support to the Task Force, and are helping coordinate  the effort to create a corridor-level plan for the USBRS.

THE TASK FORCE MISSION & PROGRESS
The AASHTO Task Force was charged with developing a recommended national corridor-level plan for use in designating potential future U.S. bicycle  routes. The Task Force developed a draft corridor plan based, in part, on an inventory of proposed and designated state bike routes and trails. See how the corridor plan developed.

It will be reviewed by AASHTO sub-committees and, pending those reviews, be approved by AASHTO. During the plan's development, we have received additional input from national bicycle groups, State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinators, and transportation agencies. Once the corridor level plan is approved, Adventure Cycling will work with states, counties, bike advocacy organizations, and others to implement specific bicycle routes within the corridors.

You can read about the AASHTO Task Force, the plan of action, and meet  members here. To learn more about the process and read the most recent updates, visit here.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE USBRS
Adventure Cycling will establish relationships with the bicycling industry, environmental organizations, government agencies, and the health industry to assure the effective implementation of the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

Sustainable transportation options are needed for commuting, utility, and recreational trips. By applying existing resources in a more bicycle-friendly way, we can build up bicycling infrastructure. In many cases identification and reallocation of road space will create convenient and safe access for bicyclists. Developing a U.S.  Bike Route System does not require complex or expensive traffic solutions but the USBRS will face challenges as we seek to create changes in attitudes and priorities in transportation infrastructure.

Implementation of the U.S. Bike Route System can take several forms: signage and markings; bike route maps; highway maps with bike route markings; recognition of bike routes in highway planning and maintenance; and so on. State and local agencies will determine the details of bicycle route implementation that fit within their overall programs.