June Bug Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 New Mexico is all over bike packing and bike recreation, so not surprised that they are promoting this as well as a Republican senator from WY. NM Senator Ben Ray Lujan in an IMBA press release: Quote "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 safe across America and will provide a much needed boost to the growing outdoor recreation economy." BOLT=Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act. This bipartisan bill has advanced enough that there was a Senate hearing by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Dec. 2. From Bikepacking.com: New Bolt Act Could Fund 20 Long-Distance Bike Trails in the US This article has a link to the full text of the bill. Many states are realizing the economic benefits of cycle specific tourism, especially for out of the way communities with depressed economies. Maybe more bills like this could create better guidelines to expedite the currently cumbersome process of creating new trails on BLM and Forest Service lands. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Bug Posted February 11, 2022 Author Share Posted February 11, 2022 (edited) A facebook update from Bikepacking Roots. Bikepacking Roots is working to make the language of this act be more specific to dirt routes (single track and 4-wheel drive roads) and exclude primarily gravel routes. "In refining this language, the BOLT Act will be more specific to dirt oriented, off-road bikepacking rather than paved or gravel trails. We recommended this change because we currently can create exceptional gravel and road routes without substantial land manager involvement, but singletrack routes require much more of land managers like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management." Statement Quote A few weeks ago we shared exciting news about the BOLT Act and now we’re excited to share that the bill is now in Committee in both the House and Senate. If passed, the BOLT Act will mandate that federal land managers identify potential for new long distance bike trails. This could lead to support for restoration of existing long distance bike trails that need resurrection, completion of long distance trails that are in progress, and federal support for existing and new long distance trails. We have been working with @imba_us and @adventurecycling in communicating with the Congressional committee staff involved in refining the BOLT Act language. BPR, with support from IMBA and ACA, have specifically recommended refining the language used to define “long-distance trails” in the context of the BOLT Act to those that: Are primarily dirt/natural surface (short connectors on pavement/improved roads are acceptable) Are generally 80+ miles in length on Federally-managed lands Are composed of generally consistent types of trail (i.e., primarily singletrack, or primarily 4x4 roads) May be used for mountain biking and/or bikepacking (multi-day trips) In refining this language, the BOLT Act will be more specific to dirt oriented, off-road bikepacking rather than paved or gravel trails. We recommended this change because we currently can create exceptional gravel and road routes without substantial land manager involvement, but singletrack routes require much more of land managers like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Learn more and join us in advocating for the BOLT Act by visiting the BOLT Act news on our website. Link in Bio. #BOLTAct #longdistancetrails #bikepacking #bikepacker #adventurecycling More details on the BOLT Act Updates and Announcement page on BikepackingRoots.org Edited February 11, 2022 by June Bug 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Bug Posted June 1, 2022 Author Share Posted June 1, 2022 Update from BikepackingRoots.org: BOLT Act update! A couple weeks ago, the Biking on Long Distance Trails Act took a big step forward in the U.S. Senate, advancing out of committee as part of a small package of public lands bills! That means the next step for the BOLT Act bill is a vote in the Senate! Why are we excited by this? This legislation will help propel forward the creation of new long-distance bike routes on public lands. Bikepacking Roots has been working with @imba_is and @adventurecycling to refine the language of the bill and push it forward, a collaboration for which we're grateful. What can you do to help? Submit a letter of support at the link below - there's a bit more background on the bill there, too, as well as a link to our advocacy toolbox where you can learn how to write a powerful short letter! BOLT Act update and announcement 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Bug Posted July 22, 2022 Author Share Posted July 22, 2022 The latest on the BOLT act from Bikepacking Roots: Quote Woohoo! The BOLT Act (Bikes on Long Distance Trails) just passed in the House of Representatives, with bikepacking-specific language we suggested. We're excited to keep advocating for it in the Senate. Stay tuned for updates! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBaron Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 17 hours ago, June Bug said: The latest on the BOLT act from Bikepacking Roots: I love that you keep us updated with this. This sounds like such a quality bit of legislation for us as outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists. Is there anything we can do to help this along? Thanks CJB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Bug Posted July 23, 2022 Author Share Posted July 23, 2022 (edited) BikepackingRoots.org BOLT advocacy page has all the details. Final paragraph of the BOLT advocacy page: How can you support the BOLT Act? Call or write your member of congress and share your support for the BOLT Act. You can use the Advocacy Toolbox for Bikepackers for tips to make your call or letter effective, or you can submit a comment through the Action Network set up by ACA (Adventure Cycling Association). When submitting a comment through this platform, be sure to customize the text to reflect your personal values around bikepacking on long distance trails! You can refer to the bikepacking talking points provided at the bottom of the Advocacy Toolbox for Bikepackers. Including your personal story goes a long way! Beyond this, encourage your fellow bikepackers to speak up, too. Edited July 23, 2022 by June Bug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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