For the seventh year in a row, Washington was named the most bike-friendly state in the nation by the League of American Bicyclists.
The assessment was made by looking at five categories:
- Legislation & Enforcement
- Policies & Programs
- Infrastructure & Funding
- Education & Encouragement
- Evaluation & Planning
Washington’s top spot was secured through a top-notch rating in the Education & Encouragement category. While we performed less well in Infrastructure & Funding and Evaluation & Planning, we still outscored most states in those categories.
Washington’s 66.8 overall score was a modest improvement over our 66.2 score from 2013. We led #2 Minnesota (62.0), #3 Wisconsin (56.9), #4 Delaware (55.7), and #5 Oregon (55.2). Most states around the country improved on their score from the previous year.
It’s a good time for cyclists in Washington state. The report comes on the heels of Governor Inslee’s proclamation that May is now “Bike Month” in Washington.