which roads can be cycled in arizona/nevada/utah/new mexico?

[patneypeddler]

hi all,
I am a UK rider currently on my way across the US  and am confirming the route for my western section. am pondering on which main roads allow cyclists in the above states. can interstates be used where there are no other options?   i'm using delorme topo 8 to help plan the routes to the places i want to see and it comes back with some very long routes and surely can't be right.   in some places the only viable road appears to be the interstate but i thought they were off limits to cyclists ? can anyone advise on the rules for this? 

[bicyclerider]

back in 1999 I pedaled across the usa from San Diego California to Sarasota Florida. I chose to ride on the interstate in each state on the shoulder. I didn't camp but moteled it. Each state in the southern tier allows a bicycle rider to pedal on the shoulder of the interstate unless there is a parallel road. Except Louisiana and Florida
I'm currently on the road from Southern California to somewhere in the east. More likely the southern states. I'm using state highways and interstates.I'm leaving the northern part of Phoenix Arizona tomorrow for some more road miles.
This is my way of life as I know it. The only place I can find peace and quiet. I'm looking for work along the way but as of yet nothing has presented itself. I can post to my blog at 2453.net when I get a chance to get free wireless.
Well enough about that. I'm heading for globe then highway 70 to Lordsburg, NM Maybe I'll see other riders. So far no one has passed my path. Back in 1999 I didn't see a single cross country rider.

Jean Andre Vallery

[JHamelman]

Very generally speaking, bicycles may use the interstate highway system for travel when they are outside of urban areas and no other alternatives exist. The conditions aren't always pleasant: high speed traffic, debris covered shoulders, rumble strips are all common. You can check with the states you are concerned about through the contacts listed on the page below:

http://www.walkinginfo.org/assistance/contacts.cfm

I hope this helps.

.Jennifer.

[aggie]

In the west riding on the interstate is generally permissible outside of urban areas.  Usually as you approach an urban area there will be a sign directing cyclists to leave the interstate.  Here are a couple of web sites for New Mexico and Arizona where you can find some info on the state's roads.

http://www.nmts.org/
http://www.azbikeped.org/maps.htm

I know Nevada has a site but not sure what of the address and I'd bet that Utah has one as well.  On a personal note I wasn't too impressed with the roads in Utah.  They use a lot of chip seal and it makes for a very rough ride.

[patneypeddler]

thanks guys for the info. I'll take a look thru the sites you've suggested. I intend avoiding the interstates where at all possible! andy

[whittierider]

I was on a freeway in CA Saturday and I'll be on one again this weekend.  Freeways generally have a very wide, paved shoulder, and the right-lane traffic left me 10 to 16 feet of room, which is much safer than smaller roads you might have in mind, in fact, much safer than riding in town in many places.  The freeway does not have cars parked on the right edge with doors opening, nor intersections.  The only thing I might have against riding on them is the noise.

[Westinghouse]

I did the southern tier of states (not ACA's mapped route) and finished about three months ago. You can use interstate roads in Arizona and New Mexico, but I advise against it. Use ACA's route or some other. It's not that the interstates are so horribly bad, but it is very easy to imagine much better alternatives elsewhere.

[kdiehl]

This link will take you to information about Utah roads. In general, you can ride freeways outside of the major metro areas, although there may be better roads for cyclist.

Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions about Utah. Maybe I can help, maybe not!

http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:pg:0::::V,T:,275

Keith in Salt Lake City

[patneypeddler]

lots of good helpful advice here. i have no choice in some places to ride the interstate but as in the UK its sometimes inevitable to have to use a very busy main road or go 10's of miles out of my way. I will look out for the signs directing me off as required. if i can avoid interstates  I certainly will as i'd rather have the peace and quiet. 

[BicycleNevada]

I'd be glad to send you our Bike Touring Map with information on shoulder widths and vehicle counts.  If interested please contact me. 

Bill Story
State Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Nevada Department of Transportation
1263 S. Stewart St.
Carson City, NV  89710
Office:   (775) 888-RIDE (7433)
FAX:       (775) 888-7207
Cell:        (775) 721-4246
E-Mail:   wstory@dot.state.nv.us
www.bicyclenevada.com

[patneypeddler]

if u can email it to andy@patney.demon.co.uk that would be great and thanks.
andy