16 U.S.C. § 8421

Biking on long-distance trails

(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.

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 .)