The Oklahoma Senate today voted unanimously to advance a measure that would eventually create a 90-mile Route 66 bicycle trail from Sapulpa to Edmond.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Lewis Moore (R-Arcadia) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City), reportedly will go back to the Oklahoma House for reconciliation after the Senate’s 46-0 vote.
Because the state senate attached a minor amendment to the bill and the fact House members passed it by more than a 3-to-1 margin several weeks ago, House Bill 2049 is expected to go to the Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk soon.
It will be officially called the Historic Route 66 Bike Trail. Although costs of a new bicycle shoulder along the highway for a bicycle trail are “contingent on funds available,” a fiscal analysis report said the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s future plans already includes Oklahoma Highway 66 for shoulder improvements. Moore also said he hoped donations would also defray some of the project’s costs.
Moore, a cycling aficionado, said in an interview that he wanted more bicycle trails in Oklahoma, and thought Oklahoma Route 66 would be an ideal spot for one.