Route 66 bicycle route designations coming together in several midwestern states

The Kansas Department of Transportation is beginning work on a Kansas Scenic Byways Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan, and the state’s portion of historic Route 66 will be studied for possible inclusion. 

After cycling the 13-mile stretch between Galena and Baxter Springs on Friday, officials with two Kansas-based cycling advocacy organizations said they are hopeful the road is not only included in the plan, but also designated as part of a Route 66 corridor on the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

“Route 66 Historic Byway is already completely bikeable,” said Kansas Cyclist webmaster Randy Rasa, who rode with KanBikeWalk president Dale Crawford, took photographs of positives and negatives, and began blogging immediately after the ride.

“There are lots of things to see and do along the route, with shops and places to eat in all three communities, many with themes related to the Route 66 history and nostalgia,” Rasa said.

Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma are working on or have complete bicycle routes on their sections of Route 66--leaving Kansas as the missing link.  See info about Route 66 and Missouri's other national bicycle routes here.