proud to share this classic route of the American West as a new U.S. Bicycle Route.” USBR 50 connects South Lake Tahoe, at the California border to the existing USBR 79 in Utah. With work progressing on USBR 50 in California and USBR 77 in Utah, cyclists will soon be able to ride on officially designated bicycle routes from Salt Lake City to San Fran- cisco. Missouri and Kansas USBR 66 covers 345 miles across Missouri and 13 miles across the southeast corner of Kansas, connecting cyclists to Oklahoma and Il- linois. It roughly parallels today’s I-44, which takes most motor vehicle traffic, leaving the historic Route 66 segments as relatively low-traffic side-roads that wander through the countryside, preserving traces of an American icon as it stood half a century ago. Cyclists on USBR 66 can visit historic Marsh Bridge, Riverton Store (in continuous operation since 1925), the Galena Mining Museum, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi River, the Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood, the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, the Ura- nus Fudge Factory and General Store, Route 66 parks in Springfield and Joplin, Route 66 State Park in Eureka, many period hotels, bridges, and original stretches of historic roadway, and the birthplace of Route 66 in Springfield. “We are so pleased to see this important historic route — already used by many bicyclists from across the world — officially adopted as part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System,” said Brent Hugh, executive direc- tor, Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation. “We much appreciate the work of MoDOT and leaders of communities along the route who have worked hard for this day. Riding this route really gives a glimpse into the soul of the American heartland.” USBR 66 is important for the homage it pays to historic Route 66, but also because it intersects with other key bicycle touring routes, including the Mississippi River Trail, the Great Rivers South Bicycle Route, the Transamerica Trail (USBR 76), the Lewis and Clark Bicycle Touring Route, and USBR 51 connecting Missouri to Louisiana and Minnesota, currently under development. Additionally, with the desig- nation of USBR 66 in Missouri and Kansas, interest has picked up in other states located along the historic road. Pennsylvania USBR 30 extends 46 miles along the shore of Lake Erie, from Ohio to New York, and is locally known as BicyclePA Route Z. Cyclists along USBR 30 will enjoy sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, ecological di- versity, and the 3,200-acre National Landmark, Presque Isle State Park. USBR 36 extends 398 miles across the center of Pennsylvania, from Ohio to New York, and is locally known as BicyclePA Route Y. USBR 36 follows much of U.S. Route 6, which was one of the first high- ways used to move natural resources, people, and products across the country. As such, the route showcases U.S. industrial history, including the first underground mine, the first steam locomotive, and the first
Luther Kurtz, mayor of Charlevoix, Mich. “With our one-way streets going in and out of town, we have some unique challenges in providing a single route. With this new alignment, the northern route is different from the southern route and it is more in line with what local bikers use to get through town already. We are excited that our visitors will now ride on this more scenic and comfortable route through Charlevoix. And we are thrilled to be a trail town located on U.S. Bike Route 35.” The USBRS is a developing national network of officially recognized, numbered, and signed bicycle routes. The new designations bring the total mileage of the system to 13,099. More than 40 states are working on designating and implementing official USBRs. Digital maps for all designated USBRs — including all new routes — are available free, using the Ride with GPS online platform, from the Adventure Cycling Association website (www.adventurecycling.org). Adventure Cycling Association, a nonprofit that provides national coordination for the USBRS, partners with AASHTO to ensure states have the resources and expertise needed for successful route designa- tion. Nevada The 410-mile USBR 50 runs east-west across Nevada, following much of the Lincoln Highway, coined “The Loneliest Road in America” by Life Magazine in 1987. Cyclists following USBR 50 through Nevada will experience the vastness of the Great Basin hydrographic region and parallel famous routes like the old California Trail and the Pony Express. The route encompasses 12 summits over 6,000 feet, nine communities, 10 nearby state parks, Lake Tahoe, and Great Basin National Park. “USBR 50 will have a positive impact, not only to our residents but to our bicycling visitors from around the world,” said Jamie Borino, Bicycle and Pedestrian program manager with Nevada DOT. “We’re
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