Adventure Cycling Association

Adventure Cycling Association
Name	Adventure Cycling Association
Type	Nonprofit organization
Founded	1973
Location	Missoula, Montana, United States
Area served	North America
Focus	Long-distance bicycle touring, route development, map publishing, advocacy

Adventure Cycling Association Adventure Cycling Association is a nonprofit organization based in Missoula, Montana, that promotes long-distance bicycle touring, route development, and map publishing. Founded during the 1970s bicycle boom, the organization connects cyclists with established routes, published maps, guided tours, and safety resources while partnering with advocacy groups, transportation agencies, and park systems. Its work intersects with national programs, state departments of transportation, and international touring communities to support bicycle travel across the United States and Canada.

History

The organization's roots trace to the 1970s bicycling resurgence linked to events like the 1976 Tour de France popularity surge, the influence of touring pioneers such as Sandy MacDonald and Ted Simon's writings, and grassroots touring scenes in places like San Francisco and New York City. Early projects included mapping transcontinental corridors inspired by expeditions like the Great American Bike Race and collaborations with cycling clubs such as Velo Club chapters and regional groups in Montana, Colorado, and California. During the 1980s and 1990s the organization expanded through partnerships with agencies including the Federal Highway Administration, state departments like the Montana Department of Transportation, and conservation institutions such as the National Park Service. Milestones included producing the first formalized coast-to-coast route network, publishing route maps comparable in influence to guides by Lonely Planet for travel and forming relations with advocacy groups like PeopleForBikes and League of American Bicyclists.

Mission and Programs

The association’s mission emphasizes route planning, safety education, and supporting touring communities through programs tied to organizations like Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Adventure Cycling Route Network, and municipal bicycle coalitions in cities such as Portland, Oregon, Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis. Educational programs draw on expertise from institutions like University of Montana transportation research, training curriculums used by groups including American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials committees, and safety partnerships with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Volunteer and community initiatives coordinate with local tourism bureaus such as Visit Missoula and nonprofit partners like Sierra Club and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to align touring routes with conservation priorities.

Bicycle Route Network

The Bicycle Route Network consists of long-distance corridors including transcontinental routes, regional spines, and spur connections across landscapes that include the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Appalachian Mountains, and Pacific Coast. Signature routes link with landmarks and protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pacific Crest Trail corridor (where cycling access is managed separately). The network interface engages with infrastructure programs from agencies such as Department of Transportation (United States) offices, municipal greenway projects in Seattle and San Francisco, and regional trail systems like the Katy Trail State Park and the Great Allegheny Passage. Route development processes use data from sources such as state traffic studies and collaborate with advocacy organizations including National Complete Streets Coalition and regional bicycle coalitions.

Publications and Maps

Published guidebooks, atlas volumes, and detailed maps produced by the association accompany routes and touring resources, comparable to cartographic efforts by publishers like National Geographic and Rand McNally. Products cover coast-to-coast itineraries, regional loops in areas such as New England, Pacific Northwest, and the Gulf Coast, and thematic guides focused on historic corridors like those near Route 66 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition corridor. Map production incorporates standards used by agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and aligns with GIS methodologies practiced at universities such as University of Colorado Boulder and firms like ESRI. Publications support trip planning for events hosted in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Denver.

Advocacy and Education

Advocacy efforts engage with national coalitions including League of American Bicyclists, PeopleForBikes, and local bicycle coalitions to influence policy at bodies such as state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations in regions like Los Angeles County and King County, Washington. Safety and education programs include on-road training, route stewardship, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies and emergency services in jurisdictions like Montana and Wyoming. Educational outreach collaborates with institutions such as National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and community colleges offering outdoor leadership curricula. The association also contributes data and testimony to policy forums and hearings connected to active transportation funding initiatives in the United States Congress and state legislatures.

Membership and Events

Membership offers benefits including printed maps, trip planning tools, and discounts for guided tours operated in partnership with outfitters working in regions like the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and the Great Lakes. Events include guided cross-country tours, regional rallies, and training seminars held in venues such as convention centers in Portland, Maine, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and outdoor festivals tied to organizations like Overland Expo and Interbike-era gatherings. Volunteer route stewards and ride leaders come from cycling clubs, university cycling teams, and local advocacy groups, sustaining a network that connects touring cyclists with municipal tourism offices and conservation partners.

Category:Cycling organizations based in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in Montana