The Department of Transportation Wednesday announced the designation of Pennsylvania’s first nationally designated bicycle route - U.S. Bicycle Route 50.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials officially approved the route in May making Pennsylvania the 25th state to join the developing U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS).
“We are very proud to have, along with our partners, developed more than 160 miles of trails and roadway for U.S. Bicycle Route 50,” said Leslie S. Richards, Department of Transportation Secretary. “We expect the designation of U.S. Bicycle Route 50 to result in significant transportation, health, and economic benefits to the region.”
The 163-mile route mostly follows off-road trails, including the popular Great Allegheny Passage, Montour Trail (photo), and the Panhandle Trail and connects Maryland to West Virginia through a variety of natural and agricultural landscapes, historical sites, thriving small towns, and recreational hot spots.
Cyclists can visit restored rail stations; Ohiopyle State Park, which has some of the best white water rafting on the East Coast; Point State Park in Pittsburgh; and the nearby Fort Pitt Museum.
“What an honor to have sections of the Montour Trail -- our 2017 Trail of the Year -- the Great Allegheny Passage and other trails comprising much of this first nationally designated bicycle route,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Trails connect communities and destinations to each other; people to the outdoors and healthy exercise; and attract visitors who spend money. They also serve as testament to the commitment of so many incredible volunteers who help them grow.”
Additionally, Amtrak’s Capitol Limited route parallels U.S. Bicycle Route 50 between DC and Pittsburgh and offers the opportunity for cyclists to carry their bikes on or off the train at any station.
This multimodal option allows for more flexibility to plan bicycle trips without a car.
To see the placement of USBR 50 in Pennsylvania visit “Statewide Bike Routes” at PennDOT’s Ride a Bike webpage.
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