National cycling route designated in county

SANDPOINT — Idaho is officially part of a U.S. Bike Route 10, an interstate cycling route that spans from northwestern Washington state to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“It will draw quite a few more cyclists who are going cross-country,” said Brian Shea, a senior transportation planner with the Idaho Transportation Department.

The 66-mile mainline route through the Panhandle follows the U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 200 corridors. It also has an alternate routes, including one that traverses the south side of the Pend Oreille River.

“Most of it’s basically following our state highways with some options to get off on local roads,” Shea said.

The route threads through all nine of Bonner County’s incorporated cities as it connects Washington to the west and Montana to the east, giving cyclists access to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, lodging and emergency services.

“We are able to provide tourism services in our small community in the way of food and lodging,” said Clark Fork Mayor Chris Riggins.

Bike Route 10 spans the nation’s northern tier and is part of a network of designated cycling routes that crisscross the country. The national corridor plan was developed by the Adventure Cycling Association and the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials.

There are no near-term plans in Idaho to make improvements to accommodate cyclists, such as highway widening, due to a shortage of state highway funding.

“The unfortunate thing right now is that we don’t have a whole lot of money,” said Shea.

As a result, the designation in Idaho will mostly involve signage and pavement maintenance, although Shea said specific safety-related projects could be considered.

Bike Route 10 will utilize three scenic byways — the International Selkirk Loop in addition to the Panhandle Historic River Passages and the Pend Oreille National Scenic byways.

“I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls here from out-of-state folks asking, ‘What’s the best way to do this?’” Shea said, adding that cross-country cyclists tend to gravitate toward scenic byways.

Shea said the designation can serve as a useful marketing tour for cities, businesses and tourism groups. Moreover, the designation has been embraced by cities in Bonner County.

“There really should be an economic boost for them because it will draw a lot of cyclists like the adventure cycling groups,” said Shea.