Most Bicycle Friendly States — New Ranking

May 6th, 2013 by Nicholas Brown

Cycling is one of the most environmentally sound modes of transportation, and it helps people to stay fit (and become fit). It is one way to address the massive obesity problem in the United States, an issue that is growing (I couldn’t resist that pun).

A woman biking on a beach. She looks like she is enjoying herself.
Image Credit: photobank.kiev.ua via Shutterstock.

A list of the most biking-friendly states has been released by the League of American Bicyclists, and I think it could encourage more people to ride… especially if the media covers the news.

The Winners Are…

For six consecutive years, Washington has ranked as the best state to ride in, with high performance in all categories. Despite its steep terrain changes, and perhaps partly because of its active living focus, Colorado ended up at number two. Oregon, with super bike-friendly Portland, came in at number three.

Apart from that, other states such as Delware, Illinois, and Arizona improved considerably in 2013, signaling that there are efforts in some states to make cities and states more bike friendly, and also that they have been successful.

Delaware moved from tenth place to fifth in only one year.

“We’re encouraged to see significant progress in top states like Washington, Delaware, Colorado and Oregon,” says League President, Andy Clarke. “But as the scores clearly highlight, there’s much work to be done in critical areas like infrastructure and planning in every state.”

As you can probably see in the image above, the 14 best American states to ride in are:

Washington
Colorado
Oregon
Minnesota
Delaware
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Wisconsin
Illinois
Arizona
Maryland
Michigan
Maine
Utah

Notably, several states with very good weather for bicycling (California, Hawaii, Florida,…) aren’t on the list.

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Tags: best states bicycling, Best US states to ride bikes in, bike-friendly states, Bikeleague, lab, League of American Bicyclists, list of the most cycling-friendly states, Top 5 states to bike in, Top ten states to bike in, US

About the Author

Nicholas Brown writes on CleanTechnica, Gas2, Kleef&Co, and Green Building Elements. He has a keen interest in physics-intensive topics such as electricity generation, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, energy storage, and geography. His website is: Kompulsa.com.

Glen

This list is ridiculous. Meaningless. I’ve lived in 2 of the top 14 (Maryland very recently and NJ) and often ride in Delaware, and all three are so far below unranked New Mexico that this Top 14 should be labeled “Top 14 Also-Rans.” Apparently, your criteria are all wrong. You missed these most important categories: 1) Great Riding and Bike Paths Everywhere and 2) Drivers Who Respect Cyclists.
Jim

Aside from the good woman’s thigh dimensions, she hasn’t got her seat set at a suitable elevation for a cardio workout (legs should be barely bent at full extension). Before she gets up to that point her poor legs will be burning. Not sure if that will do her any good.
Steeple

She certainly seems to have the thigh power to plow through that sand.
- http://www.facebook.com/BikePartsExpress Rick Morris
  
  Gotta give her credit though for getting out there!
Juan Pelotas

“Notably, several states with very good weather for bicycling (California, Hawaii, Florida,…) aren’t on the list.”

FL has good weather for bicycling? Have you been there? As a former long time resident of the Humid State, and cyclist that tried his best, let me tell you; if a driver does not kill you, the humidity will. If you survive both, a drop of rain the size of your head will knock you off. No, FL is not good for bicycling.
anderlan

I will allow myself to chuckle at the pic because it appears to be CGI. Good for her computer-generated self improving her computer-generated health.