WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act to bolster outdoor recreation and promote biking on federal lands across the United States.

“The longest continuous single track mountain bike trail in the U.S. is lucky to call North Dakota home. As the former North Dakota Tourism Director, I know the Maah Daah Hey and other bike trails provide enriching recreational experiences and economic opportunities for our communities. Our bill identifies long-distance bike trails on public lands for all to enjoy,” said Senator Cramer.  

“In New Mexico and across America, there are millions of acres of federal lands that have gone untapped for responsible outdoor recreation use. This bipartisan legislation will make bike trails more accessible and safer across America and will provide a much-needed boost to the growing outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Luján. “I have always enjoyed getting out on my mountain bike to explore New Mexico’s beautiful landscapes, and this legislation will make those outdoor spaces more accessible to Americans across the country.” 

The BOLT Act will make bike trails more accessible and direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to:

  • Identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails;
  • Identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trials;
  • Allow the DOI to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
  • Publish a report that lists the trails developed under this legislation.

Biking stakeholder groups issued statements of support as well.

“Mountain biking has grown in popularity over the last decade, most notably during the pandemic, and we at the International Mountain Bicycling Association applaud Senator Ben Ray Luján from New Mexico and Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota for recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation and introducing the bipartisan Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act. Now is the time to invest in our outdoor recreation infrastructure by providing pathways to positive physical and mental health and creating jobs in the outdoor economy,” said Dave Wiens, Executive Director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association. 

Senators Cramer and Lujan are joined on the legislation by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and John Barrasso (R-WY).