“Let’s Make a Transcontinental Bikeway!”

Our Proposal:

• Let’s construct at least one coast-to-coast bikeway
• A network of East-West, North-South bikeways could be also considered

The Goal:

• A new and wonderful way to appreciate the beauty, people and local cultures of our vast country
• An attraction that will bring bikers, trekkers, and runners from around the world
• A source of tourism, revenue and jobs for smaller towns in rural areas
• A novel and exciting way to encourage physical activity

Explanation:

The Interstate Highway system changed America in both positive and negative ways. In terms of the positive, it has made possible the efficient and speedy transportation of goods throughout the country, and for travel by auto it has enabled much quicker and convenient trips across vast distances. As an example of the not-so-positive, many smaller towns in rural America that were bypassed by the Interstates have suffered economically, and in some cases withered and died. This has contributed (at least to some degree) to the well-known higher poverty rates and lower prosperity in rural America. 

To help address this challenge, the Solution Party proposes building a new continent-spanning bikeway, one that purposely passes through smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns across the country. This Transcontinental Bikeway would be equipped with frequent rest areas, camp sites, storm warning systems and shelters, scenic view points, historical information sites, emergency call phones, first aid kits, bike repair areas, and surveillance cameras for safety. The Bikeway would also include a pathway for trekkers and runners. 

We believe this America-spanning Bikeway would be popular not only amongst Americans, but would also draw lots of bikers, trekkers, and runners from around the world. It could inspire many Americans take up biking to realize spectacular cycling trips, from short excursions to cross-country adventures. An extensive variety of races and other events could be implemented on a regular basis all along different segments of the Bikeway. 

Needless to say, one of the important goals of the Transcontinental Bikeway would be to bring a new and exciting source of economic activity and revenue to the rural areas through which it would pass. The construction and maintenance of the Bikeway would be a source of excellent local jobs. Once completed, the subsequent bike and trekker traffic would be a stable source of work and revenue. 

International sister city relationships could be established with the towns and cites along the route to encourage bikers from overseas to begin or end an excursion on the Bikeway at a US-based sister city. Simple airfields could be constructed along the route as well to allow bikers to easily start and finish their trips along the segment of choice. 

The initial idea is to build one east-west Transcontinental Bikeway, but more could be envisioned—for example a southern route from Los Angeles to Jacksonville (or other city in Florida), a middle route from San Francisco to Washington DC, and a northern route from Portland or Seattle to New York-Boston. North-south routes could also be constructed, similar to the Interstate routes such as I-5, I-65, and I-95. 

The financial resources necessary to build and maintain the Transcontinental Bikeway could be raised through a combination of federal, state, and local funds, corporate donations and possibly modest usage fees. More efficient defense spending could also free up funds for this project.

Let’s bring a new source of revenue, jobs, and prosperity to rural areas in America, and let’s have fun doing it. It’s time for the Transcontinental Bikeway!