The League of American Bicyclists has released its 2022 Bicycle Friendly States report, ranking all 50 US states on both their policies and practices to make bicycling safer.
For the first time since the Bicycle Friendly States ranking began in 2008, a state other than Washington claimed the top position: Massachusetts ranks first in the US for its actions to build a ‘Bicycle Friendly America for everyone’.
>>> League of American Bicyclists – 2022 Bicycle Friendly States ranking
“Through surveys, data collection, and analysis, the Bicycle Friendly States report and ranking demonstrates how states are – or are not – contributing to making biking safer, more comfortable, and an easier option for everyone,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.
“We applaud the vast majority of states for continuing to take steps to improve and increase the health, sustainability, and strength of their communities through biking.
“We hope this ranking and our report cards serve as a call to action for leaders in every state to invest in safe streets and connected bike networks and put in place the programs policies that will make biking a real option for transportation and recreation.”
The Bicycle Friendly States report and ranking highlights the role that state leadership can play in making roadways safer for people who bike. Overall, states own 19% of the nation’s roadways yet 38% of bicyclist fatalities are on state-owned roads.
The League has identified and measures states against five key Bicycle Friendly Actions:
- A safe passing law
- A complete streets action
- An emphasis on bicycle safety
- A recent statewide bike plan
- A minimum level of federal funds spent on biking and walking
“The progress we’re seeing at the state level can be attributed to the consistent and tireless work of bike advocates and public servants at the state and local levels,” continued Bill Nesper.
“As we work at the national level to put the federal resources in place and set standards and goals for the country, our partners in state and local bike advocacy are pushing their leaders to use all available resources to meet those standards and make positive changes on the ground.
“We hope state leaders see these rankings and hear the calls from their citizens that it is long past time for our communities to be united through biking rather than divided by dangerous, inhospitable state-owned roads. In states like Massachusetts, Washington, Minnesota and California, we’re seeing what’s possible when state leaders do act to make bicycling better.”
