Program:
Adventure Cycling Route Network
- Budget:
-
$272,000
- Category:
-
Public, Society Benefit
- Population Served:
-
Other Named Groups
Program Description:
Our first cycling route, the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail was created in 1976 for the celebration of America's bicentennial. Since then, we've continued to expand our Adventure Cycling Route Network(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/network.cfm) , which now includes more than 40,000 miles of quiet, cycling-friendly roads throughout North America.
Program Long-Term Success:
Since 1976, Adventure Cycling has mapped more than 40,000 miles of cycling-friendly routes throughout North America. Our goal with our routes and mapping program is to continue to grow our route network and produce the best bike touring maps found anywhere.
Program Short-Term Success:
In the last 4 years, we've completed the following long-distance cycling routes while updating and maintaining the other map sections in our 40,000-plus cycling route network:
2010 - Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/sierracascades.cfm) - A 2,389 mile road route from Sumas, Washington, to Tecate, California, that parallels the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
2008 - Washington Parks Bicycle Route(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/washingtonparks.cfm) - This double loop, 896.5-mile route showcases the diversity of Washington State, from its ocean and sound views in the west to the fertile orchards of the central Columbia Valley while visiting three national parks.
2007 - Underground Railroad Bicycle Route(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/undergroundrailroad.cfm) (UGRR) - This 2,007.5-mile route running between Mobile, Alabama, and Owen Sound, Ontario, honors the bravery of those who fled bondage and those who provided shelter.
Learn more about the Adventure Cycling Route Network(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/network.cfm) .
Program Success Monitored by:
Map sales, annual member survey, feedback from cyclists.
Program Success Examples:
In the last 10 years, Adventure Cycling map sales have increased over 30% and non-member map sales have also increased.
According to our last 3 annual member surveys, around 30% of our members join the organization in order to receive discounts on our maps.
We receive a lot of feedback from our members about the maps as well. Here are a few select quotes:
Program:
United States Bicycle Route System
- Budget:
-
$150,000
- Category:
-
Public, Society Benefit
- Population Served:
-
General Public/Unspecified
Program Description:
Adventure Cycling Association is part of a national initiative to develop an interstate bicycle route network called the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). Routes for the USBRS are designated with numbers and catalogued by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Adventure Cycling Association initially provided staff support to the AASHTO Task Force on U.S. Bicycle Routes in order to develop a visionary plan for the national network. AASHTO board of directors adopted the National Corridor Plan in 2008. Today, Adventure Cycling provides technical assistance and multi-state coordination to state departments of transportation that are developing these interstate bicycle routes.
Program Long-Term Success:
The vision of the U.S. Bicycle Route System is to connect urban, suburban and rural areas with recommended roads and trails suitable for bicycle travel into a national network. Routes will be mapped and recognized, maintained, and supported by state and local transportation agencies, other state and local agencies, communities, and trail managers. Cyclists will be able to travel from city to city, across state borders, and from coast to coast via these nationally designated routes. Communities along U.S. Bicycle Routes will benefit from bicycle tourism and better local bicycle conditions. Cyclists will benefit from the agency and community support. U.S. Bicycle Route designation might mean transportation agencies provide bicycle infrastructure (such as shoulders or bike lanes) and protection from rumble strips/stripes and signs and markings for way-finding.
Program Short-Term Success:
In October, 2008, the AASHTO Board of Directors approved the National Corridor Plan, a visionary document that provides a starting point for state and local agencies and their bicycle/trail partners to begin developing interstate bicycle routes. The Corridor Plan was developed by the AASHTO Task Force on U.S. Bicycle Routes using an inventory of existing state and local bicycle routes and trails completed by Adventure Cycling in 2005. Between 2005 and 2008, Adventure Cycling refined the plan by vetting it with state and local agencies, bicycle organizations and AASHTO. Adventure Cycling also worked with the Task Force to develop recommended route criteria, and an AASHTO USBRS Application. Between 2008 and 2010, Adventure Cycling moved from strictly providing Task Force support to building public awareness of the system and the benefits. Adventure Cycling also coordinates with state and local agencies and partners, providing technical assistance in best practices, implementation tools and resources. Today, Adventure Cycling coordinates with over 30 states.
Program Success Monitored by:
- AASHTO support of the project
- Number of states working on implementation
- State DOTs and local agencies agreeing to designated USBR
- State submittal of U.S. Bicycle Route Applications to AASHTO
- Designated Routes crossing multiple states
- Creation of maps showing U.S. Bicycle Routes
- Signs on U.S. Bicycle Routes
Program Success Examples:
Because of the way our transportation system is directed and managed, there are various levels and stages involved in implementation of the national corridors (50-mile wide swaths where a bike route might be developed) into actual roads and trails that will make up the system. Adventure Cycling is coordinating implementation efforts on a state-by-state approach. Some states are working with local volunteers and bicycle/trail organizations in developing the routes and gaining local agency agreements; other states are coordinating efforts at the state DOT level. Here is an example of successful efforts using both models:
Michigan is submitting USBR 20 for designation through AASHTO in March 2011; resolutions of support from communities along the route were completed in October by volunteers representing Adventure Cycling Association and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance. The DOT is presently reviewing the route while creating maps and directions for the application. Another effort is underway to develop USBR 35 along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The route was developed by a committee of city managers and administrators from communities along Lake Michigan who then conducted a series of public meetings through the fall of 2010. Currently, agency support is being sought by volunteers on this committee and Adventure Cycling Association, with approximately 70% of the needed resolutions of support obtained.
Maine DOT worked with local cyclists to develop USBR 1; conducted a series of public meetings and is submitting an AASHTO Application in March, 2011. They are coordinating their state effort with neighboring state, New Hampshire, who will be designating a state route called the Seacoast Route/East Coast Greenway.