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State transportation agencies, city and county planners, cyclists, trail managers, etc. please continue to review the draft corridor plan (PDF/420k) and provide feedback or suggestions on our Discussion Forums. Learn other ways to get involved and contribute to the project.
NEWS & UPDATES - June 26, 2009
DRAFT FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION BILL RELEASED – What does it mean for the U.S. Bicycle Route System?
Chairman Oberstar and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have introduced the Surface Transportation Bill of 2009 (PDF). You can learn more about the bill at http://transportation.house.gov/.
The bill works to reform the surface transportation program funding and the sub-allocation of Transportation Enhancement funds which may provide greater opportunities for both bicycling and walking.
It also establishes the Office of Livability which will oversee various activities associated with bicycling including data and research development, the recreational trails program, safe routes to school program, emphasizes comprehensive street design, and the establishment of the U.S. Bike Route System. While the recognition and support of the USBRS is exciting, the Task Force is concerned over wording in the bill (see pages 198-220). The Task Force will be meeting in the next few weeks to address this issue and work on next steps. Watch the USBRS Forums for updates.
U.S. BICYCLE ROUTES APPLICATION – Now Available!
The Application for the establishment of U.S. Bicycle Routes was approved by the Standing Committee on Highways and the Special Committee on Route Numbering (the committee that will review the applications and assign the route numbers) on May 15, 2009. Download the Application (PDF/104k) now.
The application will also be posted on Special Committee on Route Numbering website soon.
In addition, AASHTO approved revising item 4 and 10 of the Purpose and Policy Statement (PDF/20k) for the Establishment of U.S. Bicycle Routes (adopted in 1979, revised in 1982, revised again 2009). These revisions coordinate with the wording in the new Application and address the wide variety of suitable routing options that exist for long-distance bicycle routes.
RESOURCE PAGE NOW UP!
As groups and agencies begin working on routes that will integrate into the U.S. Bicycle Route System, there is a need to share resources for initiating, planning, promoting, mapping and signing routes. The USBRS Task Force recognizes that many different models and tools already exist and we’re sharing them via the Resource Page.
REVISED CORRIDOR MAP
Download the newly revised Corridor Map (PDF/420k) with the cities now posted. We think you’ll be able to see the potential routes or recognize missing corridors much easier. Our cartographers will continue to add cities and landmarks to the corridor plan map as we start working on a bigger, more route development oriented map that will take us into the implementation phase of the project.
SURVEY ON ITS WAY TO BIKE/PEDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
A short survey is being sent out to all the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators to assess their ability (time, interest, support) to establish U.S. Bicycle Routes. The survey assesses what tools states already have or may need to make implementation happen. It also addresses what other organizations and agencies might be willing to take a lead in the planning and development phase for routing. If you would like a copy of the survey, contact
To find out all the exciting things going on, visit our forums. If you’d like to help, check out the volunteer board. You have to join (it's easy) to contribute to the discussion.
SUPPORT THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM
Help make the USBRS a reality, donate today.
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