A plan that originated in the 1980s to build a system of interstate bike paths has come back to life after lying dormant for 30 years. Only two stretches of bike interstate were established back then: U.S. Bicycle Route 1 from Virginia to North Carolina (initially planned to run from Florida to Maine) and U.S. Bicycle Route 76 from Virginia to Illinois (initially planned to run from Virginia to Oregon), but new routes may soon cover the whole country.
The Association of American State Highway and Transportation Officials has already approved six new routes. Four of these will be in Alaska, one will span Michigan's lower peninsula and one will go from New Hampshire to Maine. Another 15 have made it past the planning phase. The ultimate goal is to have a nationwide system of bicycle routes, and 42 states have expressed support for the plan.
If you're curious, the eight states that haven't jumped onboard yet are Alabama, Hawaii, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
AASHTO has created a full map with prioritized routes marked. It's a sight to behold.
A great idea, once we pass the hiking ability, maybe we can still bike. Many folks will be thrilled at this.
ReplyDeleteNot good if you are deaf and ride slow, once on the bike trail in Apopka, I about got run over and could have gotten the FAST guy hurt.
Sometimes you think you are all alone and ARE NOT!
Thanks for the info.