Thanks to lobbying by area cyclists, Kansas Department of Transportation is eyeing the state’s historic stretch of Route 66 as part of a Scenic Byways Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan, reported the Joplin (Mo.) Globe.
The newspaper reported:
After cycling the 13-mile stretch between Galena and Baxter Springs on Friday, officials with two Kansas-based cycling advocacy organizations said they are hopeful the road is not only included in the plan, but also designated as part of a Route 66 corridor on the U.S. Bicycle Route System.
“Route 66 Historic Byway is already completely bikeable,” said Kansas Cyclist webmaster Randy Rasa, who rode with KanBikeWalk president Dale Crawford, took photographs of positives and negatives, and began blogging immediately after the ride.
“There are lots of things to see and do along the route, with shops and places to eat in all three communities, many with themes related to the Route 66 history and nostalgia,” Rasa said.
Route 66 touches three cities in southeastern Kansas — Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs. And a sizable portion of that stretch goes through a quiet rural area that’s ideal for bicycle safety.
The prospect of cycling on the Mother Road has increased dramatically in recent years. The Adventure Cycling Association is working on a Route 66 cycling map for release sometime next year. Several of Route 66’s states have expanded access for cyclists along the historic highway, including future implementation of the Route 66 Bike Trail in Oklahoma.