A proposed network of recommended bike routes could run all the way from Atlanta to Kentucky, crossing Chattanooga and Knoxville.
"We're looking at hopefully 50,000 miles of routes eventually being designated nationwide and helping cyclists get to where they want to go for transportation or recreation," said Saara Snow, travel initiatives coordinator for the Adventure Cycling Association, a national group pushing for the U.S. Bike Route system. "Hopefully the designation will help with bicycle improvements on the roads over the years, as well."
One route through North Georgia, known as U.S. Bike Route 21, is among eight national routes expected to receive designation from the American Assocation of State Highway and Transportation Officials during the organization's meeting in Chicago this week.
Bike Walk Tennessee, which is spearheading the local U.S. Bike Route efforts, unveiled tentative plans for the Tennessee portions of U.S. Bike Route 21 and 121 this week. Route 21 will run from Atlanta into Kentucky. Route 121 will connect Chattanooga to Nashville.
In the Chattanooga area, development of U.S. Bike Routes is just the latest feather in the cap for a thriving outdoor community.
Cyclists ride along a section of the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, Tenn., in this file photo.The Scenic City just finished up a three-year stint hosting the USA Cycling National Championships, an event that raised the city's cycling profile. Bike lanes are on the way throughout the city, and a bike park has been proposed for underneath the Olgiati Bridge.
The Tennessee portions of Routes 21 and 121 are expected to go before the association for designation in the spring.
The roads chosen for a bike route are shared with motorists but selected based on safety, scenery and their potential economic impact. Road-by-road breakdowns of Routes 21 and 121 are available for public viewing and comment at bikewalktn.org.
"We just want to make sure we're putting it in the right place," said Matt Farr, executive director of Bike Walk Tennessee. "I'm not an expert on what roads look like in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, but there may be somebody near there who is. We really want to use it [public input] as a way not only to make sure we have the best route, but also to get people excited about the project."
The overall objective of a bike route is to boost local economies, Farr said. Once established, U.S. Bike Routes are proven to bring a notable uptick in tourism to the areas they pass through, because of the increase in bicycle traffic they attract. The impact is especially noticeable in smaller communities.
The economic impact may be less notable in the Scenic City itself since it is already a biking and outdoor destination. But surrounding areas, such as Chickamauga, Ga., may feel the difference.
"It gives you a package that you can then market," Farr said. "You can show a well-developed network of bicycle routes in your state and that with this package, you're going to have the best time because we've made it easy for you."
The Michigan Department of Transportation released a study in May that found that bicycle touring brought the state $21.9 million a year from out-of-state visitors.
Jim Johnson, president of Chattanooga-based BikeTours.com, also believes local communities will benefit from the implementation of bike routes in the tri-state area.
"It's not always the fastest way to get from point A to point B," Johnson said. "It's often a way that will go near natural attractions or go into a town, because it's also looking at economic impact and the tourism impact as opposed to getting somewhere as quickly as possible."
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.