Illinois Bike Route Chosen for National System

CHICAGO - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider announced today that a 72.6-mile network of existing trails, designated bike routes and bicycle-friendly streets between the Indiana and Wisconsin state lines has been selected to become part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. The new U.S. Bicycle Route 36/37 follows the Lake Michigan coastline and passes through the heart of Chicago, providing communities and neighborhoods with an opportunity to take advantage of the tourism and economic development possibilities of being on an interstate bike system.

The Illinois Department of Transportation collaborated with nine local partners on the application to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on U.S. Route Numbering. The designation is the first for an Illinois bike route in more than 30 years.

"I would like to thank our local agencies for their hard work and cooperation to make this designation possible. I look forward to more additions from Illinois to the U.S. Bicycle Route System," Secretary Schneider said. "Biking is not only a healthy transportation option, but improves quality of life and is a valuable tool for creating jobs and growing businesses."

Establishing bike routes that are part of national bicycle networks is one of the key recommendations outlined in the first-ever Illinois Bike Transportation Plan released by Governor Pat Quinn and Secretary Schneider in April. The plan can be viewed at www.IllinoisBikePlan.com.

The last U.S. Bicycle Route created in Illinois was the TransAmerica Trail in 1982. To date, the national system encompasses 6,834 miles in 12 states. When fully developed, the national system will have more than 50,000 miles of interstate bicycle routes crisscrossing the country.

For more information on U.S. Bicycle Route 36/37 and the U.S. Bicycle Route System, visit http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/us-bicycle-route-system/national-corridor-plan/.