National bike route designation runs through Northwest Arkansas

State of play: Known as USBR 51, the thruway runs 88 miles from the Missouri border south to Alma.

• About 35 miles of the route is on the Razorback Greenway.

What they're saying: "We tried to identify routes attractive to all ages and all abilities in the selection of these highways, streets and county roads. Safety, connected destinations and fun is our objective," said Kimberly Sanders, the bicycle-pedestrian coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Transportation in a news release.

Context: Adventure Cycling Association is a nonprofit based in Missoula, Montana, that is focused on getting people to travel by bike.

• U.S. Bicycle Route System officials are developing a national network of officially designated, numbered and signed routes that use existing roads, trails and other facilities appropriate for bike travel.
• The organization announced new routes in Arkansas, California and Wyoming, and route extensions in California and Florida.

What's next: Plans are to eventually extend USBR 51 to the Louisiana border.