Long Live Long Trails

What is the BOLT Coalition Working Towards?

The coalition's initial task is to create a public database of potential long-distance trails by Summer 2025 that will include a detailed analysis and recommendations highlighting long-distance cycling trails that should be considered as candidates for BOLT recognition. This will include recommendations for both current trails eligible for BOLT recognition as well as potential opportunities for long-distance trails as defined by the law. Trails will be prioritized using the criteria outlined below. 

Existing Trails Key Definition: “Long distance bike trail” means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way that fits criteria for “existing” trails as outlined below. Please consider the following criteria which will guide prioritization and recommendation of specific long-distance trails as you determine if your trail will meet the criteria for an existing or potential BOLT trail.

Existing Trails Fit the Following Criteria: 

• The total trail distance is at least 80 miles
• The majority of the trail is on Federal recreational lands and waters ( ie. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, etc)
• While specific parameters have not been defined in the law as how much of a recognized trail must be on Federal land, for the purposes of this data collection process at least one of these criteria should be met:
  • At least 80% of the total trail distance is on Federal Public Land
  • At least 70 miles of the total trail distance is on Federal Public Land
  • To the maximum extent practicable, makes use of existing trails and roads
  • Are primarily dirt/natural surface (short connectors on pavement/improved roads are acceptable)
  • Are composed of generally consistent types of trail (i.e., primarily singletrack, or primarily 4x4 roads)
• May be legally used for mountain biking, road biking, touring, or gravel biking

Potential Trails Key Definition: “Potential long distance bike trails” are trails that fit the criteria above, and although they are not currently contiguous for at least 80 miles, they have the potential for development into a trail of this scale. Please consider the following criteria which will be used to guide prioritization and recommendation of specific potential long-distance trails. 

Potential Trails Fit the Following Criteria:

• For the purposes of public data collection, potential trails that meet both the level of completeness criteria will receive greater priority:
  • At least 40 miles of the envisioned trail is already existing (does not have to be contiguous)
  • At least 50% of the total trail distance is complete (for example, there is potential for a 90 mile trail with 50 miles complete - ie 55% complete)
• The level of difficulty for completing any remaining miles of a trail will be considered for inclusion in the report and we are focused on trails that have at least a potential path forward to completion (For example, we would be unlikely to consider a trail that has a large number of uncompleted miles that are all in a Wilderness Area inaccessible to bikes without a feasible detour option).

Additional prioritization criteria applied to all trails identified include: 

• Overall trail selection should be considered in a geographically equitable manner across the U.S.
• The trail is supported and/or stewarded by a local or regional trail organization (or coalition thereof) or through other organized community support, and relationships exist with relevant land managers.
• The trail would benefit from the recognition as a Long-distance Bike Trail for maintenance, access, promotion, or other benefits (please describe in your recommendation).
• The current and potential economic impact of the trail on surrounding communities.
• If the trail is a loop, the loop should connect distant towns or trail networks, and not be a loop within a single trail network.

While our combined organizations have extensive knowledge of the long-distance trail inventory across the country, we believe this process will benefit from a broad public input process, so we want to hear from you!

We have created a survey to collect ideas of what trails you are most worthy of BOLT-recognition and why. Download the survey questions here so you can prepare your response.
 

Please share your ideas today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the trail be a multi-use trail?
A: Yes. Trails can be multi-use trails (and will be, more often than not).

Q2: What happens next?
A:  The BOLT Coalition data gathering survey will be open until the end of July. As trail submissions come in, Coalition members will begin reaching out to learn more about the trails submitted. Near the end of August 2025, we will make the information on trails collected publicly available. Then, we’re going to celebrate all the existing and potential long distance trails (and the people who steward them) that we learn via a social marketing campaign.