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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