§ 8421. Biking on long-distance trails

610 words·~3 min read·/usc/title-16/section-8421

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(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 January 4, 2025, the Secretaries, in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the trails identified under subsection (a), including a summary of public comments received in accordance with the process developed under subsection (b).

(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.

(Pub. L. 118–234, title I, § 121, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2842.)

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