April 17, 2017 – The Adventure Cycling Association and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) are working together to designate a nationwide system of bicycle routes called the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). These proposed routes will allow cyclists to ride an officially numbered and signed bicycle route “from your backyard to anywhere in the United States.” When complete, the USBRS will encompass more than 50,000 miles of routes and open up new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional bicycle touring, and commuting by bicycle. Currently U.S. Bicycle Route 85 (USBR 85) is proposed to run from the Canadian border near Sumas, Washington to Tecate, Mexico, roughly following the route of the Pacific Crest Trail.
A portion of the proposed USBR 85 would utilize State Route 89 and local roads within the Town of Truckee. Nevada County’s District 5 Supervisor, Richard Anderson, the Town Manager of the Town of Truckee, Tony Lashbrook, and the Truckee Trails Foundation have all expressed their support for this project, recognizing the $47 billion a year that the bicycle tourism industry contributes to local economies throughout North America. No physical changes or expenditures are requested and the proposal remains consistent with the Nevada County Bicycle Master Plan.
When implemented, USBR 85 is expected to help grow bicycle tourism in Nevada County and enhance our local economies with very little investment.