United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
§ 8421.
Biking on long-distance trails
(a)
Identification of long-distance trails
Not later than 18 months after January 4, 2025 , the Secretaries shall identify—
(1)
not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of trails and roads in existence on January 4, 2025 ; and
(2)
not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify as a long-distance bike trail.
(b)
Public comment
The Secretaries shall—
(1)
develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and areas under subsection (a); and
(2)
consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner.
(c)
Maps, signage, and promotional materials
For any long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may—
(1)
publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
(2)
coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, development, or completion of trails.
(d)
Report
Not later than 2 years after
(e)
Conflict avoidance with other uses
Before identifying a long-distance bike trail under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure the long-distance bike trail—
(1)
minimizes conflict with—
(A)
the uses, before January 4, 2025 , of any trail or road that is part of that long-distance bike trail;
(B)
multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on January 4, 2025 ;
(C)
the purposes for which any trail was or is established under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
(D)
any area managed under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(2)
complies with land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters that are part of that long-distance bike trail.
(f)
Eminent domain or condemnation
In carrying out this section, the Secretaries may not use eminent domain or condemnation.
(g)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Long-distance bike trail
The term “long-distance bike trail” means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way, that—
(A)
is not less than 80 miles in length;
(B)
primarily makes use of dirt or natural surface trails;
(C)
may require connections along paved or other improved roads;
(D)
does not include Federal recreational lands where mountain biking or related activities are not consistent with management requirements for those Federal recreational lands; and
(E)
to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of trails and roads that were on Federal recreational lands on or before January 4, 2025 .
(2)
Secretaries
The term “Secretaries” means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly.
cite as: 16 USC 8421
