S. 605 – Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act

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Updated January 20, 2026 at 4:10 AM UTC

The Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to create a network of long-distance bike trails on federal recreational lands and waters. It requires them to identify at least ten existing trails of 80 miles or more and ten additional areas where such trails could be built, while making sure the trails do not interfere with other uses. The bill also calls for maps, signage, promotional materials, and a report on progress within two years. It mainly affects federal land‑management agencies and the public cyclists who would use the trails.

Key Provisions

Defines a “long‑distance bike trail” as a continuous route of at least 80 miles that can support mountain biking, bikepacking, road biking, touring, or gravel biking and may include short road connections.
Requires the Interior and Agriculture secretaries to identify no fewer than ten existing long‑distance bike trails on federal recreational lands and waters.
Requires identification of at least ten additional areas with potential for developing long‑distance bike trails.
Mandates coordination with stakeholders and a conflict check to ensure new trails do not interfere with existing uses such as horseback riding or pack animals.
Allows the secretaries to publish maps, install signage, and produce promotional materials for any identified trails.
Encourages geographic equity in trail selection to the extent practicable.
Requires a joint report, prepared with interested organizations, listing the identified trails and areas, to be published within two years of enactment.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

March 1, 2023

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

March 1, 2023

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

March 1, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued March 1, 2023

II

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 605

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 1, 2023

Mr. Luján (for himself, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Manchin, and Mr. Barrasso) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop long-distance bike trails on Federal recreational lands and waters, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act .

2.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Federal recreational lands and waters

The term Federal recreational lands and waters has the meaning given the term in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801).

(2)

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 a total of 80 miles in length on Federal recreational lands and waters;

(B)

to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of existing trails;

(C)

is composed generally of a consistent type of trail;

(D)

may be used for mountain biking, bikepacking, road biking, bicycle touring, or gravel biking; and

(E)

may include short connections by way of a road or highway.

(3)

Secretaries

The term Secretaries means each of—

(A)

the Secretary; and

(B)

the Secretary of Agriculture.

(4)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(5)

Secretary concerned

The term Secretary concerned means—

(A)

the Secretary, with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; or

(B)

the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land managed by the Forest Service.

3.

Long-distance bike trails on Federal recreational lands and waters

(a)

Identification of long-Distance bike trails

Subject to subsection (b), the Secretaries shall—

(1)

identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails, consistent with management requirements for the Federal recreational lands and waters identified, that make use of trails and roads in existence on the date of enactment of this Act;

(2)

identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trails, consistent with the management requirements for the Federal recreational lands and waters identified;

(3)

coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of the trails identified under paragraph (2); and

(4)

incorporate existing applicable research and planning decisions in carrying out this Act.

(b)

Conflict avoidance with other uses

Before identifying a trail or road as a long-distance bike trail under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that the identification of the long-distance bike trail would not conflict with an existing use of the trail or road, including horseback riding or use by pack and saddle stock.

(c)

Maps, signage, and promotional materials

For any long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials.

(d)

Geographic representation

To the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall seek to identify long-distance bike trails and areas for the development or completion of long-distance bike trails under subsection (a) in a geographically equitable manner.

(e)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the long-distance bike trails identified under subsection (a).