update on us bike route system

8/7/2019 Update on US Bike Route System

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US Bicycle Route System in Michigan

Moving Forward from the Ground Up

2011 Michigan Bicycle SummitMarch 26, 2011



The Vision

Develop a coordinatedand connected

network of bicycle

routes across theentire United States

Source: Adventure Cycling Association



Purpose of the

US Bike Route System

“The purpose of the U.S. bicycle route

numbering and marking system is tofacilitate travel between the states overroutes which have been identified as beingmore suitable than others for cycling.”

- AASHTO; 1979, 2009

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/AASHTOPurposePolicy.pdf




What is a Bicycle Route?“A bicycle route is any road, street, path or

way which in some manner is specificallydesignated as being open to bicycle travel,regardless of whether such facilities are

designated for the exclusive use of bicyclesor are to be shared with othertransportation modes.”

- AASHTO; 1979, 2009http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/AASHTOPurposePolicy.pdf



Benefits of the USBR System

• Economic Impact: brings millions of

dollars into state economies

• Transportation: Green, cost effective,provides a high rate of return

• Health: Increases access,opportunities, and safety; reduces

health risks• Environment: Decreases fuel

consumption; promotes conservation

and appreciation of naturalsurroundin s



STEPS TOWARD CREATING

A NATIONAL SYSTEM



STEP 1

• Collect, compile and review information

on existing and proposed multi-statebicycle routes

• Completed in 2005• Report available at

www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs




Phase 1 - Collection of data on existing or proposed

State, Regional, and Local Routes



STEP 2

• Develop recommended corridors to

comprise a logical national system– Corridors are about 50 miles in width

– Corridors are flexible - can change if needed

• Produce a map of the draft U.S. Bicycle

Corridor Plan




Step 2 – Corridor Criteria

• Identify: – Continuous routes

– Routes of regional & national significance – Historic transportation corridors

– Popular regional / national cycling routes

• Connect: – Population centers

– Primary destinations

– Scenic corridors

www.adventurecycling.org/usbrs




5 Corridors by Dec. 2008

3 Michigan Corridors



STEP 3

• Develop a logical system of

designations for U.S. bicycle routes

• Assign appropriate designations to each

corridor– Clearly identify corridor

– Accommodate future expansion & extension




Proposed Route Designations

• Five different proposals developed:

– 1 or 2 digit (similar to US highways)

– 1 digit & low 2-digit

– Single letter (alphabetical) – Name/Abbreviation (of route name)

– Letter / number combination




Corridor Plan in 2010

6 Corridors in 2010 –

E/W routes 10, 20, 30, 36N/S routes 25, 35



THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE

SYSTEMS AND MICHIGAN



Timeline of Interest In Michigan• 2008

– Interest growing for the designation of individual county routesor networks.

– MDOT involvement minimal due to staffing

• limited to providing guidance – MMUTCD / AASHTO

• Signing local routes a local

– Discussion on numbering lead to interest in USBR System.

– Waiting for AASHTO approval of concept

• October - 2008

– AASHTO BOD approves the Corridor Plan



Building Lines of Communication

• Identify Key Contacts:

– Potentially affected Cities, Villages, Counties, TrailGroups, MDNR, MDOT Field offices, etc.

• Education and Outreach Materials– Flyers, brochures, FAQ’s, sample resolutions

• Coordinate all Q&A with MDOT B/P Coord.

– ACA and AASHTO when necessary

• Internal MDOT Group for Continuous Feedback



USBR 20 and 35

• Local Interest and Support

• Mix of existing facilities plentiful•Multi-Use Pathways•Paved Shoulders

•Low-volume roads

• Interest from adjacent States

• Had Volunteers



USBR 35• 520+ Miles

• 38 Road agencies– 16 counties, 22 cities/vlgs.

• 8 MDOT Offices and

DNR• TART Trails, Mackinaw

Bridge Authority,

International Bridge



USBR 20• 310+ Miles

• 22 Road agencies– 10 counties, 12 cities villages

• 5 MDOT Offices

• 2 Rec. Depts.

• 1 School

• 1 Private Party



• 2 MDOT Staff

– Used: Route Maps and turn-by-turn directions

• Eastern most 140+ miles – about 7 hours

• Recorded findings:– Used Prompt List

– Maps

– Photographs

USBR 20 – Field Review



USBR 20 –Field Review

Prompt List•Pavement Condition

•Shoulders – width/condition

•Sight distances•Observed volumes

•Bridges

•Land use – gravel pits, etc.

•Railroad crossings

•Lane width and presence ofcenterlines



• Route suitable for an experienced touring

bicyclist• Signing generally good

– exception of trail/road intersections

• Some minor changes– Remove segments of dirt road

– Simplify route

• Will field review western 130 miles spring2011– (excluding Pere Marquette Trail segment 40 miles+)

USBR 20 – Field Review



USBR 20 –

Designation



• DOT or organization prepares AASHTO

Application: Map (detailed enough to see intersections)

Turn by Turn with Direction of Travel

DOT sign-off from CEO

• Strategy for Promotion

• Signing (not required but encouraged)

USBR 20 – Designation



USBR 20 –

Designation



Looking Down The Road• Evaluate signage – funding/approach

• Include in Regional Bicycle Plans• Evaluate route against 5 yr capital program

• Mapping

• DownloadableGPS Coordinates



Thank You

Questions?

MDOT’S MISSIONProviding the highest quality integrated transportation service for economic

benefit and improved quality of life.

Josh DeBruyn, AICPBicycle and Pedestrian CoordinatorMichigan Department of Transportation

(517) 335-2918

[email protected]

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