Four new routes added to the US Bicycle Route System

Missoula, MT — Adventure Cycling Association, in partnership with the American Association of State Highway Officials, is proud to announce four new routes in three states, which will expand the United States Bicycle Route System.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike. It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity.

The newest routes are USBR 37 in Indiana, USBR 51 in Missouri, and two in Kansas: USBR 50 and USBR 55. This year, 3,568 miles were added to the system when the routes added in spring 2024 were taken into account. This is the most of any year and brings the total mileage to 23,186.

“State DOTs are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “Our partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association to continually expand the U.S Bicycle Route System is just one of the many ways states are meeting that goal. The four new routes added to the USBRS network in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from the partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and Adventure Cycling.”

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.

“Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, advocates, and state departments of transportation, and the support of our members and AASHTO, these four designations in Kansas, Indiana, and Missouri bring us closer to the goal of an interstate bicycle travel network of routes equally accessible to all,” said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes at Adventure Cycling Association.

The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates the national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official route designation.

MISSOURI ROUTE

USBR 51 in Missouri begins at US 69 at the Missouri / Iowa state border and ends on US 71 at the Missouri / Arkansas state border, connecting to USBR 51 in Arkansas. This route establishes USBR 51 as a north-south bicycle route through the state of Missouri with no gaps.

The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation worked diligently with local entities throughout the state to provide a continuous route through the state. The route has segments utilizing Missouri state and local roadways as well as established trails and facilities, including the Katy Trail, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Corps of Engineers at Truman Lake, Swinging Bridge Trail, and Frisco Highline Trail.

More information about the U.S. Bicycle Route System: adventurecycling.org/usbrs

DISTANCE

553.7 miles

FOR JOPLIN – Connecting with NW Arkansas, USBR51 will follow US71 from Bella Visita to Joplin. From Joplin to Springfield, 51 will follow USBR66. The route will journey from Springfield, north through central Missouri, to the Iowa border. In Arkansas, USBR51 goes south to Fort Smith. The long-term plan is to go south into New Orleans.

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