Oklahoma bill aims to establish bicycle trail on Route 66

An Oklahoma state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would designate Route 66 between Sapulpa and Edmond as a “Historic Bike Trail” and eventually construct a shoulder for bicycle use on that stretch.

Rep. Lewis Moore (R-Arcadia) recently introduced House Bill 2049. The bill says:

The portion of State Highway 66 between the Sapulpa city limits and the Edmond city limits shall be designated as the “Historic Bike Trail”.  The Department of Transportation shall cause suitable permanent markers to be placed upon the highway bearing that name.  Contingent upon the availability of funds, the Department shall provide a shoulder lane designated for use by bicycle traffic on the Historic Bike Trail.

The bill’s prospects for passage remain unknown, although it’s worth noting that Republicans now control all of the legislative branches of Oklahoma’s government. Moore, a Republican, has that going for him.

With the state running a deficit of about $500 million because of the recession, lawmakers ordinarily might be reluctant to pass this bill because of its cost.

However, Moore’s bill includes the crucial passage “contingent upon the availability of funds.” So the legislature simply could pass the bill into law with the understanding that the bicycle shoulders be built only when finances improve. So Moore’s caveat in the bill seems sensible and probably improves the odds of its passage.

Route 66 has seen a surge of interest from cyclists in recent years. Illinois has been building stretches of bike trails next to the Mother Road, and the Adventure Cycling Association a few weeks ago announced it is beginning a project to trace a bicycle trail from Chicago to L.A. along Route 66.

Also, Route 66 between Tulsa and Oklahoma City — the stretch that Moore wants designated — annually is used for a big Bike MS multiple sclerosis fundraiser. Hundreds of cyclists from the Sooner State already ride Route 66 at least once a year.

So, given the trend lines of cycling’s popularity, Rep. Moore’s proposal would seem to be a good one.

(Hat tip: Route 66 World)