New Routes, New Horizons: Five Major Additions to the US Bicycle Route System
Explore how the U.S. Bicycle Route System surpasses 22,000 miles with new routes in Arkansas, California, and Wyoming plus extensions in Florida and California. Get the latest on safe, scenic cycling paths across 35 states and D.C.!
The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is surging past the 22,000-mile mark with the official designation of three brand-new routes and two significant route extensions. These developments expand cycling opportunities in Arkansas, California, Florida, and Wyoming, ushering in fresh ways to explore and enjoy America by bike.
Bypassing 20,000 Miles & Beyond
In one sweeping movement, the USBRS has grown beyond its previous 20,000-mile benchmark, now boasting over 22,000 miles in 35 states and Washington, D.C. With more than 25 additional states actively planning or developing new U.S. Bicycle Routes, the future of long-distance cycling in the U.S. looks brighter than ever.
Jim Tymon, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), underscores the collaborative spirit behind this effort:
“State departments of transportation are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all. The recent additions to and expansion of the USBRS network by Arkansas, California, Florida, and Wyoming further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and the Adventure Cycling Association.”
AASHTO works hand-in-hand with Adventure Cycling Association to designate new bike routes, a partnership formalized in a 2021 memorandum of understanding. Digital maps for all official U.S. Bicycle Routes are available at no cost, making it simpler for people to start planning their journeys.
Arkansas — USBR 51 (New)
Distance: 88 miles
From/To: Missouri state line to Alma, Arkansas
The brand-new USBR 51 route in Arkansas covers 88 miles and is expected to eventually extend to the Louisiana border. About 35 miles of this route coincide with the Razorback Greenway’s dedicated trail network, offering access to restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and essential services for traveling cyclists.
California — Two Routes (New & Extended)
USBR 85 (New)
- Distance: 788.5 miles
- From/To: Hornbrook (at the Oregon border) to Lenwood (San Bernardino County)
- Highlights: Volcanoes, forested countryside, busy towns, deserts, orchards, and more.
- Key Intersections:
- Connects with USBR 50 and the Western Express Bicycle Route in Woodfords.
- Terminates where it intersects USBR 66/Adventure Cycling’s Bicycle Route 66 near Barstow.
USBR 95 (Extension)
- Distance: 1,070 miles
- From/To: Near Pelican State Beach (Oregon border) to the California-Mexico border
- Highlights: Majestic redwoods, dramatic coastal vistas, farmland, fruit orchards, bustling urban areas, and abundant marine wildlife.
- Route Notes: Due to a short gap, directions come in two segments: Oregon to Camp Pendleton and Camp Pendleton to Mexico.
With these two designations, California now offers a truly expansive network of coastal and inland routes, making it a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts.
Florida — USBR 15 (Extension)
Distance: 513 miles
From/To: Georgia border to near Miami, linking with USBR 1
Florida’s USBR 15 now spans nearly the entire length of the state, guiding cyclists from the rural landscapes of the Panhandle to vibrant South Florida. Key points include:
- Crossing the historic Suwannee River on the Nature Coast Trail
- Riding along scenic corridors like the Withlacoochee State Trail (Florida’s longest rail-to-trail)
- Passing the Peace River in Punta Gorda, then heading south along the iconic Tamiami Trail
- Access to multiple national and state parks, including Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Intersecting the Miccosukee Indian Village before tying into Homestead and USBR 1
Wyoming — USBR 76 (New)
Distance: 496.3 miles
From/To: Idaho border (west of Teton Pass) to the Colorado border in southern Wyoming
Wyoming’s very first U.S. Bicycle Route stretches across the state’s western and southern regions. Along the way, riders can visit Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, the Wind River Reservation, and plenty of scenic highways and byways. Portions of the route utilize city streets, adjacent pathways, and quiet rural roads. Advocates, state agencies, and local governments worked tirelessly to bring Wyoming into the USBRS network, ensuring that cyclists have a safe and inspiring path through the state’s iconic landscapes.
A Bright Road Ahead
With new routes emerging, existing routes growing, and collaborations among state DOTs, local advocates, and Adventure Cycling Association intensifying, the USBRS is set to continue expanding. As Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes at Adventure Cycling, puts it:
“It’s satisfying to see the USBRS network grow and know that we are playing a part in making long-distance bicycle travel more accessible to more people through these routes.”
Whether you’re planning a short bike tour close to home or looking for a cross-country trek, the U.S. Bicycle Route System’s ongoing development promises countless paths to explore, discover, and enjoy.
Learn More & Get Digital Maps
To see detailed, turn-by-turn directions of the new and existing routes, visit the official U.S. Bicycle Route System digital map resource. Begin plotting your own adventures with one click—it’s completely free and regularly updated to reflect closures and detours.
Cris Cadiz
