Be a Part of the Largest Cycling Network in the World
Learn how the corridor-level plan was developed in partnership with the non-profit AASHTO and join Adventure Cycling and others in promoting state adoption of an interstate route system for bikes.
by Christopher Douwes, Community Planner, Federal Highway Administration, Ginny Sullivan, Director of Travel Initiatives, Adventure Cycling Association
The timing for a national bicycle route network is opportune. As American’s concept of quality of life is changing, our neighborhoods and transportation systems are adapting. Trails and bicycle routes are springing up across the country. The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) will help offset environmental and health concerns by providing another travel option– whether commuting across town or a cross country adventure. Learn how the corridor-level plan was developed in partnership with the non-profit AASHTO and join Adventure Cycling and others in promoting state adoption of an interstate route system for bikes. A united approach will ensure the best routes and trails are woven into a system.
Christopher Douwes is a Community Planner with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in Washington DC. He has managed the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) since 1992, Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities since 2003, Transportation Alternatives (TA) since 2012, and has assisted with Bicycle and Pedestrian Activities since 1992. He manages contracts for research, technology development, technical assistance, and training for trail-related activities., Christopher received his Masters of Science in Transportation from Northwestern University in 1990.
Contact: [email protected]
Virginia “Ginny” Sullivan is the Director of Travel Initiatives at Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s only organization dedicated to bicycle tourism and travel. Programs under Ginny’s direction include: working with state and local partners to officially designate interstate bicycle routes into the U.S. Bicycle Route System, currently at over 13,000-miles; co-leading the Amtrak Bicycle Task Force, with a goal of seeing carry-on bicycle service available on all Amtrak lines; working with National Park Service and State Park systems on bicycle tourism amenities and accommodations; and advocacy for better rumble strip policies, safe passing and distracted driving laws including enforcement. Ginny’s team also works to protect and improve Adventure Cycling’s 47,283-miles of cultivated and mapped bicycle routes across North America. With the support of Adventure Cycling’s 53,000-members, Ginny is growing bicycle tourism through outreach to communities across the country. She also advocates for improved road conditions and safety for cyclists. Ginny’s work is partner focused and her efforts are driven by the Adventure Cycling mission to inspire, empower and connect people to travel by bicycle.
Action Alert: National Survey of Shovel-ready Trail Projects
Help the trails community demonstrate its ability to put America back to work and deliver the benefits of trails to all communities.
Public Outreach, Marketing, and Interpretation Skills and Competencies
Database management; website development; trail and facility inventories; trail assessment and maintenance records; identifying and gathering needed information.
Partnership and Collaboration Skills and Competencies
Creating and maintaining partnerships; interagency project management; structuring agreements among partners; nurturing cooperation among a variety of recreation and conservation interests; planning trail systems across jurisdictional lines.
Organizational Development Skills and Competencies
Specific skills used in development of organizations for trails and greenways work: creating and building a nonprofit organization; managing boards and staff; recruiting, training, and rewarding volunteers; managing finances and legal issues.
