Congresswoman Lee Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Coalition in Introducing the BOLT Act to Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Congressman John Curtis (R-UT) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to bolster outdoor recreation and promote biking on public lands in Nevada and across the United States. The Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act expands outdoor recreation opportunities by identifying potential long-distance bike trails and expanding mapping resources for long-distance bikers. The bill is led by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in the U.S. Senate with additional support from Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY).

"There's no better way to start my morning than a bike ride on our beautiful Nevada public lands. These lands belong to all of us, and it's important that we live true to that promise and expand access to them," said Congresswoman Lee. "I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort in reintroducing the BOLT Act to develop new long-distance biking trails and make existing trails safer, more equitable, and accessible for all. More than three-quarters of Nevada is public land and it's an important and growing part of our local economy. New trails mean new jobs, new revenue, and new opportunities for everyone to connect with our public lands."

"For communities across Colorado, this bill is key. It will expand outdoor recreation opportunities and boost mountain economies, which rely on the outdoor industry and tourism revenue," said Congressman Joe Neguse. "As the Representative of a district made up of nearly 60% federal lands, ensuring Coloradans can visit the national treasures and precious public spaces that we're lucky to call home is a top priority of mine. I'm excited to lead this legislation and look forward to working with the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers supporting this bill to get it over the finish line."

"I am thrilled to introduce this bill that establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails," said Congressman Curtis. "The BOLT Act can help promote healthy outdoor activity and tourism while protecting our natural resources. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture will also ensure that the identification and development of long-distance bike trails is done in a geographically equitable manner and does not conflict with existing uses or management plans. This bill is a win for outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike."

"New Mexico is known for our great outdoors which enriches the lives of New Mexicans and draws in thousands of visitors each year. Many people across the country – myself included – enjoy mountain biking and exploring all that the Land of Enchantment has to offer," said Senator Luján. "That's why I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will identify federal land for recreational use. This bill will make bike trails and outdoor spaces safer and more accessible for all to use and explore, while also bringing jobs and growing our local economies."

"As a former Tourism Director for the State of North Dakota, I know the important role outdoor recreation plays in providing enriching experiences, generating economic opportunity, and seeing more of our beautiful state," said Senator Cramer. "Bikers and hikers alike flock to the Maah Daah Hey Trail in Western North Dakota. Our bipartisan bill would help promote trails like this so more of the public can enjoy them."

"Everyone that lives in and visits West Virginia knows why we call it wild and wonderful. We love the great outdoors, and the beautiful mountains we live in provide some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities the U.S. has to offer, including long-distance biking trails. This bill could help expand those trail options and could provide a unique opportunity for cities and towns near West Virginia's national forests to build new, long-distance bike trails that will grow our outdoor recreation economy and draw more tourists to the mountain state," said Senator Manchin.

View a one-pager on the bill here and additional quotes of support here.

###