Title: History of US Bicycle Routes
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2History of US Bicycle Routes
In 1970s interest in long distance bicycle
travel proliferates
3History of US Bicycle Routes
- In 1978 AASHTO establishes US Bicycle Routes
Developed policies guidelines Used same
framework processes as US Highway System
4First US Bicycle Routes designated in 1982 But no
routes designated since
5The Vision
Develop a coordinated and connected network of
bicycle routes across the entire United States
6Create 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.
7The 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!
8AASHTO 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
9Organizations 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
10PHASE 1
- Collect, compile and review information on
existing and proposed multi-state bicycle routes - Completed in 2005
- Report available at www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs
11Phase 1 - Collection of data on existing or
proposed State, Regional, and Local Routes
12PHASE 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
13Phase 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
14Starting Point
Inventory of routes overlaid by the proposed
corridor system
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17PHASE 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
18Proposed 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
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20The results will be more transportation options,
more people cycling, better health for Americans,
and a cleaner environment.
21We 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. Congressman Jim
Oberstar Chairman, Transportation
Infrastructure Committee Congressman Peter
DeFazio Chairman, Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit
22Implementation
- 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
23Implementation
- 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
24Implementation 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
25 Most routes will be on existing roads and
facilities.
26 Virginias 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
27Michigan 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
28US Bicycle Route Signing
- Sign design established in 1978 MUTCD
- 'Bike' equivalent to the US Highway shield
29US Bicycle Route Signing
- New design recommended by US Bicycle Route Task
Force NCUTCD - Submitted to FHWA
30US Bicycle Route Signing
- Signing similar to other numbered routes
- Trailblazing
- Guidance
- Reassurance
31Bicycle Route Signing
- 2009 MUTCD added many new bicycle guide signs
- NCUTCD working on additional signs
- Also may be used on USBRs
32US Bicycle Routes Web Site
www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs