Cyclists Warned to Steer Clear of North Dakota’s Oil Patch

Touring bicyclists wanting to retrace the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark or pedal through the northern tier of the U.S. are being warned to steer clear of northwest North Dakota because of heavy oil traffic.

The Adventure Cycling Association says it’s re-mapping the popular bike routes due to “alarming reports” about risky riding conditions through North Dakota’s booming oil patch.

Cartographer Jennifer Milyko (muh-LIHK’-oh) says roads through North Dakota’s oil patch are now among the most dangerous of the group’s 40,000-mile route network in the U.S.

Milyko says new maps are due in May to reflect the change. She says it’s the biggest such amendment to U.S. routes in the nonprofit’s 39-year history.