---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 8421"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "8421"
heading: "Biking on long-distance trails"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/8421"
units:
  - "Chapter 103 — Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences"
  - "Subchapter I — Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure"
  - "Part B — Public Recreation on Federal Recreational Lands and Waters"
---

# §8421. Biking on long-distance trails

- (a) **Identification of long-distance trails—** Not later than 18 months after January 4, 2025, the [Secretaries](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6) 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](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) 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](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6) shall—
  - (1) develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) under [subsection (a)](#a); and
  - (2) consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner.
- (c) **Maps, signage, and promotional materials—** For any long-distance bike trail identified under [subsection (a)](#a), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) may—
  - (1) publish and distribute [maps](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1), 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](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6), in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the trails identified under [subsection (a)](#a), including a summary of public comments received in accordance with the process developed under [subsection (b)](#b).
- (e) **Conflict avoidance with other uses—** Before identifying a long-distance bike trail under [subsection (a)](#a), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) 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](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are [existing uses](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=3) 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](/usc/16/1241.md) et seq.); and
    - (D) any [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) managed under the Wilderness Act ([16 U.S.C. 1131](/usc/16/1131.md) et seq.); and
  - (2) complies with land use and [management plans](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) of the [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2) that are part of that long-distance bike trail.
- (f) **Eminent domain or condemnation—** In carrying out this section, the [Secretaries](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6) 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](/usc/16/8401.md?p=6)” means the [Secretary](/usc/16/8401.md?p=7) of the Interior and the [Secretary](/usc/16/8401.md?p=7) of Agriculture, acting jointly.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 118–234, title I, § 121, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2842.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The National Trails System Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(C), is Pub. L. 90–543, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 919, which is classified generally to chapter 27 (§ 1241 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1241 of this title and Tables.

The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(D), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§ 1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.