New bike route brings Joplin into growing United States Bicycle Route System

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin is set to serve as a key hub for biking with the inclusion of a major route.

It's all thanks to a partnership between the Adventure Cycling Association, and American Association of State Highway Officials, which will expand the United States Bicycle Route System in Missouri with USBR 51 - a new north-south route running through the Show Me State.

Starting at US 69 at the Missouri-Iowa border, the 553.7 mile-long USBR 51 extends south to the Missouri-Arkansas border, before connecting to the route again in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation worked with locals to better utilize state and local roadways, ensuring a continuous route. According to a release Monday, USBR 51 incorporates the Katy Trail, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Corps of Engineers at Truman Lake, Swinging Bridge Trail, and Frisco Highline Trail.

In Joplin

In order to connect with the route in northwest Arkansas, USBR 51 will follow US 71 from Bella Vista to Joplin. From Joplin to Springfield, USBR 51 follows USBR66 (East-West), and from there, north through the central part of the state up to the Iowa border.

From Arkansas, USBR 51 continues to Fort Smith, with a plan to connect further into New Orleans.

The development is part of the Adventure Cycling Association's effort to use existing roads and trails suitable for biking. So far, the organization's system includes 23,186 miles. The goal is a 50,000-mile network spanning across the country.

Other new routes are USBR 37 in Indiana, and two in Kansas: USBR 50 and USBR 55, adding 3,568 miles to the system total this year.

“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.

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available for free here.