More miles added to U.S. Bicycle Route System

The U.S. Bicycle Route System continues to get longer.

U.S. Bicycle Route System

The addition of three new routes in Minnesota, Missouri and Kentucky means the bicycle network now covers 5,612 miles in 10 states.

A special committee of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has approved the numbering of US Bicycle Route 45 in Minnesota, and USBR 76 in Missouri and Kentucky.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System will one day connect major cities and attractions in all 50 states along numbered bicycle-friendly routes. The Adventure Cycling Association is coordinating efforts of volunteers and state officials to accomplish this network of more than 50,000 miles.

Three routes

Minnesota — The completion of approvals for USBR 45 in Minnesota means that the bicycle route follows the Mississippi River from Itasca State Park to the Iowa state line. The route rolls along the river for 700 miles, encompassing options on both sides of Old Man River.

Missouri —  USBR76 follows the Trans-America Trail 348 miles between Chester, Illinois, and Golden City, Missouri, near the Kansas border. It follows the rough roads over the Ozarks and through bike traveler-friendly communities such as Farmington. Bike route signs are expected to be erected later this summer.

Kentucky — USBR76 essentially follows the famed cross-country bicycle route through the state, although mappers found some improved routes to realign some sections onto better roads. Adventure Cycling will adopt these changes as well for its Trans-America Trail. The route begins at Elkhorn City and crosses the Ohio River at Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.

For more details on these routes, go to Adventure Cycling Association.

The nonprofit is currently raising funds to help pay for its efforts in helping create this bicycle network. Click here to donate to the “Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It.” campaign.