A total of 290 miles were just officially added to the U.S. Bicycle Route Systems (USBRS), bringing the across-the-country cycling path mileage to 14,841, spanning across 31 states and Washington, D.C.
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The latest additions specifically target Maryland, New York, North Dakota, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.
"Interest in bicycling has grown in recent years, and especially in recent months as the coronavirus pandemic has prompted many people to turn to bicycling for daily commuting, recreation and tourism," said Jim Tymon, the executive director of the American Association of States Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in an official statement. "The expanding USBRS network is an important contribution to the nation's transportation system."
Tymon's words don't surprise us. Given the extreme rise in interest in all things cycling during a pandemic that virtually forced the entire world to stay indoors, the United States actually experienced a bike shortage a few months ago. Manufacturing delays following forced factory closures didn't help the situation.
But as things level off, the expanded cycling routes are much appreciated.
In Maryland, the path will take adventurers across a slew of historic centers; in New York, folks will be able to bike from Lake Ontario to the New York-Pennsylvania border; the 87.5-mile North Dakota spans three different counties "where prairie dogs, elk, antelope, deer, eagles and falcons outnumber the almost 6,000 people [that live there];" the DC path finally links Florida and Maine while West Virginia's USBR 11 showcases the natural beauty of the northern Appalachian farm country.
There was clearly never a better time to experience the absolute beauty of the United States on two wheels. May we suggest planning a cross-country cycling trip in the next few months? If you decide to go for it, feel free to consult USBRS maps and route resources right here.
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