Route 6 through Warren County has been declared part of a U.S. Bicycle Route.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and PennDOT made a joint announcement on Wednesday.

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 36 follows Pennsylvania Route Y, including 398 miles of northern tier Pennsylvania roadway from Ohio to New York, starting at Pymatuning Reservoir near Espyville and ending at the Deleware River near Matamoras.

“Because Route 6 spans the length of Pennsylvania as Bicycle Route Y and could serve as an interstate bike route across the country, it made sense to pursue national designation,” Warren County Planning Director Dan Glotz said. He credited Roy Gothie, PennDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, with spearheading the effort.

“These U.S. Bicycle Route designations create nationally recognized interstate bicycle touring routes in Pennsylvania which bring significant long-term economic benefits to local communities from out-of-state tourism.,” the PennDOT and DCED release said.

“It’s a huge deal… eventually,” Warren County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dave Sherman said. “It’s another wonderful designation and realization of what we have to offer here.”

“We’re in Starbrick… we see cyclists go by all the time, especially in the nice weather,” Sherman said. “Cyclists, whether they are road or mountain bikers, talk to each other. They share the good and the bad. They’re spreading the word about The Trails at Jakes Rocks. They’ll talk about Route 6, too.”

“Bikers get hungry,” Sherman said. “They like to stop and eat. Then they buy ice cream and continue on their trek.”

“This designation is important to Warren County as more bicyclists will be travelling through the area, stopping for lodging, food and services,” PA Route 6 Alliance Executive Director Terri Dennison said. “Warren has already participated in the first phase of the Master Bike Plan for Bike Route Y.”

“These bike route designations will lead to new transportation and recreational opportunities in countless towns across northern Pennsylvania,” DCED Deputy Secretary Carrie Lepore said. “By building out our bicycle infrastructure, we’re increasing our ability to attract new businesses, boosting Pennsylvania tourism, and making our commonwealth a better place to live, work, and play.”

“Our principal mission is making transportation as safe and accessible as possible, no matter how you travel,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “These designations complement our significant investments and focus on connectivity and safety in these regions so people can experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer.”

“Beyond the value to Pennsylvania of the tourism revenue, the U.S. Bike Route designations bring an increased focus on non-motorized infrastructure and planning in local governments leading to transportation, health, and environmental benefits to the community in the form of improved access to schools, jobs, health care, and outdoor recreational resources,” according to the release.

“With the improvements to bike trails in the ANF, Warren County will be able to encourage the cyclists to stay longer,” Dennison said. “The challenge ahead of us is how to embrace all the opportunities. Some cyclists want a dirt and gravel road loop that can be developed very easily in the county.”

Sherman said the designation will be huge “eventually.”

Having the designation is enough to lure some. Bringing them back and encouraging them to tell their friends will take some more work.

Some of that is improving the actual trail.

“There are maps that show needed improvements,” Dennison said. “PennDOT is committed to the ones they are responsible for, but the communities along Route 6 need to look at those reports and decide which of the improvement they can achieve.”

Then, there are the necessary upgrades to the many other services cyclists will look for.

“PA Route 6 Alliance plans to begin helping communities and businesses identify ways in which they can be part of the National Bike Route experience,” she said. “Just like our educational workshop in May, held in Warren, we will be hosting many more workshops and providing resources to those who want to participate.”

“There will be a need for improved bike services — not just bike shops but repair kits, bike racks and public restrooms in certain locations,” she said. “Lodging facilities will need to decide on how to serve their two-wheeled guests: where can they store their bikes? Can they take their bike to their room easily? Can they provide a small snack and drink for their next leg of the journey. Small diners, ice cream shops, and convenience stores should consider how they will serve the riders. Shops and store should create memorabilia to be purchased, just be prepared to help the cyclist sent it home. This is a very tech oriented group that needs wi-fi to stay connected.”