Four grants support U.S. Bicycle Route System

The proposed 50,000-mile network of bicycle byways called the U.S. Bicycle Route Systemis getting a $100,000 boost.

The Adventure Cycling Association announced it has procured grants from four foundations to continue its work on the USBRS.

The nonprofit bike touring association has been coordinating efforts to create the bike route system that will connect common destinations for travelers, such as cities and national landmarks.

41 states

So far, volunteers and state highway staff in 41 states are working to bring the bicycle routes to life. That's up from 30 states this time last year.

They're looking for the most bicycle-friendly roads within corridors, shown criss-crossing the map above, that were approved several years ago by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The red and blue lines on the map show the first bike routes in the system — USBR 1 in Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia and North Carolina; USBR 20 in Michigan; USBR 8, 87, 95 and 97 in Alaska; and USBR 76 in Virginia, Kentucky and Illinois.

Perfect timing

In announcing the grants, Adventure Cycling's executive director Jim Sayer said they come “at a perfect time, as we ramp up our efforts to develop the U.S. Bicycle Route system. 2011 has been a milestone year as more states join the project and we win approval for new national routes.”

The grants came from more than just bicycle-focused foundations: Tawani Foundation, $45,000; SRAM Cycling Fund, $30,000; Surdna Foundation, $15,000; and Lazar Foundation, $10,000.

The grant from SRAM also will go toward Adventure Cycling's efforts to study and promote the bicycle-travel industry. Sayer explains:

“The other timely aspect of these grants is that they're focused on boosting more sustainable transportation and tourism at a time when these sectors are catching on with the American public.”

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is being discussed this week at the Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the New England Bike Walk Summit in Providence, Rhode Island.