Bicycling is something I have always enjoyed. The truth is, however, I’ve never been a die-hard bicyclist so much as an occasional rider who liked the idea of riding more sometime in down the line. Well, I have been working on changing my envy into action lately. This is bike to work month, and for those of you who don’t read the occasional posts on my personal site, I have lately been writing more about bicycling and events as I get more into it.

Encouraging bicycling is important. I think it is an important part of our transitioning to a more sustainable society. Inefficient, fossil fuel powered transportation is a huge blight on our planet and accounts for upwards of 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions (depending on your source, usually reported as around a third). Part of our mission should include creating a bicycling network between our cities and states. Now, you might think, “it’s hard enough to bike the few miles to work, let alone the 300 miles to another city!”

True, it may not be for everyone (that’s where trains, high speed rail, and electric buses would come). However, providing the means for this type of travel, be it for hardcore adventurists or more laid back vacationists, furthers the possibilities for cyclists and raises awareness of bicycling as a safe, reliable, efficient, and carbon-neutral means of transportation.

US Bicycle Route System: Build It. Bike It. Be A Part Of It!

The US Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a proposed expansion on the Trans-American Trail built in the late 1970s and two other established routes that travel through Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois and North Carolina. The USBRS would connect America’s cities through multiple, numbered bicycle routes – similar to the interstate highway system. See the proposed map here (pdf).

Adventure Cycling America, a non profit helping to further the US Bicycle Route System, has this to say about the project and how you can get involved:

Donate $10 today to support the creation of a national network of bicycle routes: the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS), a visionary project that will be similar to the national and international systems blossoming across the globe, such as Euro Vélo. The routes will connect cyclists across the U.S. with cities, transportation hubs, scenic and historic destinations through existing (and new) infrastructure; routes will be numbered and officially recognized by state and federal government agencies.

Learn more about the U.S. Bicycle Route System and donate $10 today on Change.org (no login required). You can also donate through Facebook’s Causes application if you’d prefer.

Want to help spread the word about this campaign?
http://www.adventurecycling.org/beapartofit

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