§8421 Biking on Long-distance Trails

Summary

Within 18 months after January 4, 2025, the Secretaries must pick at least 10 long-distance bike routes that use trails and roads already in place on that date, and at least 10 places where new or finished routes could be built. They must set up a way for the public to comment on their choices and try to spread the routes fairly across regions. The Secretaries can make maps, put up signs, and share information. They can work with groups to find non-Federal money or help. A report listing the chosen routes and summarizing public comments must be published within 2 years after January 4, 2025. Before naming a route, the Secretaries must avoid harming existing uses of the trails and roads as of January 4, 2025, respect multiple uses, follow relevant trail and wilderness rules, and follow land-use plans. They may not use eminent domain. Long-distance bike trail: a continuous route at least 80 miles long, mostly on dirt or natural surfaces, may use paved connections, avoids federal lands where biking is not allowed, and, as much as possible, uses trails and roads that were on federal recreation lands on or before January 4, 2025. Secretaries: the Interior and Agriculture heads acting together.