Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - New US Interstate biking system

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gXL5fV8rd64PLo0wPklHzVCt3Jew


Sounds interesting. Probably the biggest thing that I see they should change is linking advocacy of cycling to gas prices. Especially given the fact that gas is going downhill in terms of pricing. I'd link it more to the internal factors, such as getting couch potato Americans outside doing something.

This is the coolest article I've read in a while. It also makes me want to plan a trip to Quebec... I had no idea.

Good to see the involvement of back roads instead of just a long connecting series of rail trails. I would go crazy from boredom if it were all rail trails.

very cool.

and if they came up with such a network of roads, hopefully they'd also publish a database of it, so people could create mapping mashups from it (e.g. bike directions & online maps)

some state DOT's already have routes mapped on their websites. they even have the critical turns signed pretty well. CT is a good example of what already exists. I followed the route along the shore it was a pretty good ride. http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1390&q=292876

Pennsylvania also has routes throughout the state. In my experience on the east coast routes, they are well marked, on enjoyable roads, and pass through enough small towns to refill water bottles or find a place to spend the night if needed (though I have yet to need that).

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/tour_routes.htm

Ironically, I have much less experience with the Delaware routes but they are also online or available for free in printed form:

http://www.deldot.gov/information/community_programs_and_services/bike/biking_in_delaware/maps.shtml

I've cycled some of North Carolina's east coast routes as well but not enough to pass much judgement:

http://www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/maps/maps_highways.html

Pennsylvania also has routes throughout the state. In my experience on the east coast routes, they are well marked, on enjoyable roads, and pass through enough small towns to refill water bottles or find a place to spend the night if needed (though I have yet to need that).

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/tour_routes.htm

Ironically, I have much less experience with the Delaware routes but they are also online or available for free in printed form:

http://www.deldot.gov/information/community_programs_and_services/bike/biking_in_delaware/maps.shtml

I've cycled some of North Carolina's east coast routes as well but not enough to pass much judgement:

http://www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/maps/maps_highways.html

Some of Pennsylvania's Bike routes are on roads that are far busier than I care to ride on. On some, the shoulders are quite wide, but who wants to ride on the shoulder of a busy, divided 4-lane - even if it is almost dead flat, and you can see the Susquehanna off to the east? Hopefully, they are able to avoid these busy types of roads with the rest of the system.

It's good to see advocates working on projects like this one. It's another good example of the kinds of things we as bicyclists can get involved with to help all of us.