Long Live Long Trails - BOLT Coalition Report
Long Live Long Trails - BOLT Coalition Report
Guide
BOLT Coalition Publishes Report on Trails Eligible for Recognition by the BOLT Act
The Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act, signed into law in January 2025, requires federal land management agencies to identify at least 10 existing and 10 potential long-distance bike trails of 80 miles or more on public lands. To support this mandate, a collaborative group of national cycling organizations—including Bikepacking Roots, IMBA, and PeopleForBikes—formed the BOLT Coalition. The coalition synthesized community surveys and extensive trail data into a comprehensive report titled "Long Live Long Trails." This coalition worked to build a database of existing and potential trails that met the criteria for BOLT recognition.
Key criteria include that trails are at least 80 miles, the majority of the trail is on federal recreation lands, the trails are primarily dirt/natural surfaces, and the trails may be legally used for biking.
After extensive research and considering 60+ submitted trails against BOLT criteria, the report includes:
- 20 existing trails covering 5,232 miles in 12 states on USFS, BLM, and NPS managed lands.
- 13 potential trails currently covering 5,077 miles with a potential to cover 7,778 miles when completed in 10 states on USFS, BLM, and DoD managed lands.
The lists included in the BOLT Coalition Report are not intended to be considered exhaustive nor are they representative of trails that will ultimately be selected for recognition by the federal land management agencies, but the BOLT Coalition believes it captures many of the candidates eligible for recognition.
As IMBA’s Director of Government Affairs, Todd Keller, notes: "This detailed report is the result of that fantastic collaboration, and we look forward to the recognition of these trails on our federal landscape." By elevating these routes, we aren't just mapping trails—we are driving economic development into rural communities and securing the long-term environmental and structural sustainability of iconic riding experiences across the United States.
BOLT Coalition Members
Bikepacking Roots is a national non-profit organization founded in 2017 to support and advance the growth of bikepacking and access to and the conservation of the landscapes and public lands through which we ride. By connecting bikepackers with landscapes, the organization seeks to inspire riders to become public lands and conservation advocates who follow a “positive impact ethos.” It also promotes visibility and access for bikepackers by fostering positive, long-term relationships with public land managers, private landowners, and rural communities. Bikepacking Roots has been collaborating with IMBA on advocacy for the BOLT Act since 2021.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading With Trails, growing the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities, so everyone has access to close-to-home riding and recreation as well as iconic backcountry experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been partnering with communities worldwide on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions.
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association, representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to welcome more people to the joys of riding a bicycle. Our goal: Help the United States become the best place in the world to ride a bike. Join us!
