Best and worst cycling states named

[grey]

Arkansas= worst
Washington = best

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/23/living/bicycle-friendly-states/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Wish it named all the states in order.

[Deborajen]

Here's the full list:

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/rankings.php

[Megustalaplaya]

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/


My state is listed as number 30.

[Owlie]

...And as I suspected, we're near the bottom. Sigh.

[zoom-zoom]

My home state is 6. My current state is 19.

[PinkBike]

My state is No. 14.

The criteria ranged "from laws and regulations that govern bicycling to policies for accommodating cyclists and infrastructure funding."

I wish Arizona had what Washington has: it "is considered a model for all other states on using federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects. It also earned points for adopting a safe passing and vulnerable road user law, which carries enhanced penalties for motorists who severely injure or kill a cyclist or pedestrian, Wempe said. It also creates a minimum 3-foot 'safe passing' distance for cyclists by motorists.
"The state also has a 'complete streets' policy, which means new roads must be designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, Wempe said."

We have the weather, but not the infrastructure. I was thrilled when the construction project on Scottsdale Road was finally finished and there were actually BIKE LANES. Then I rode there, and the bike lanes appear and disappear at random.

Sheesh, don't get me started.

[Catrin]

Indiana is 30 while my home state is 26...something of a surprise as I wouldn't have thought Tennessee would rank higher. Sounds like I need to pay attention when I go home.

[beccaB]

Michigan would have to be the worst, regardless of what the chart says. After all, at one high school in this state kids get suspended for riding their bikes to school!

[indysteel]

Indiana is 30 while my home state is 26...something of a surprise as I wouldn't have thought Tennessee would rank higher. Sounds like I need to pay attention when I go home.

Granted, I've only ridden in Tennesse during organized tours or event rides, but I've always really enjoyed my rides there and have never encountered any problems, and I've been in some pretty remote areas. I'd much rather ride there than in Indiana for sure. If nothing else, the roads themselves are a heck of a lot nicer.

[goldfinch]

Good for Minnesota at number 2!

Minneapolis and St. Paul have untold number of bike paths but they sure can be crowded on a nice day. The riders far exceed the speed limit on the path so you really have to be alert as people weave in and out.

[zoom-zoom]

Michigan would have to be the worst, regardless of what the chart says. After all, at one high school in this state kids get suspended for riding their bikes to school!

Wasn't that the most ridiculous thing?! Even with the mayor and police escort! :rolleyes: The principal has since backed-down and apologize...under duress, I'm certain. EVERYONE wanted her head!

[Sky King]

Would be a different view if they took into account accidents, fatalities, perception and the ability to ride one's bike in each state. Policy's up the wazoo don't necessarily equate to better cycling but that is just my opinion. I have heard Louisiana has the worst fatality rate but can't remember which cycling organization posted that.

[Catrin]

Granted, I've only ridden in Tennesse during organized tours or event rides, but I've always really enjoyed my rides there and have never encountered any problems, and I've been in some pretty remote areas. I'd much rather ride there than in Indiana for sure. If nothing else, the roads themselves are a heck of a lot nicer.

Thanks for the information Indy, I've not rode in my home state and the roads are indeed a LOT nicer than here! Hopefully the next time I go home I will be able to take my Gunnar and check out the riding in East Tennessee :)

Zoom - I saw her apology - can't imagine what she was originally thinking. I am sure she apologized for all of the wrong reasons but at least she did.

[OakLeaf]

The fact that Florida is perennially rated so high, makes the whole thing suspect IMO. I've never ridden anywhere so hostile to cyclists, from road design, to driver behavior, to the law that says you have to ride on bike paths, to refusal to prosecute drivers for killing cyclists.

[prinessbeca]

The fact that Florida is perennially rated so high, makes the whole thing suspect IMO. I've never ridden anywhere so hostile to cyclists, from road design, to driver behavior, to the law that says you have to ride on bike paths, to refusal to prosecute drivers for killing cyclists.

Amen. I don't think this list is based on actual bike friendliness at all. Nebraska is 43rd on the list, but at least in/around Omaha we have oodles of commuter bikers everywhere, kiosks all over to rent bikes, an awesome trail system, etc. And I've heard nothing but awful scary things out of Florida. My uncle, who's ridden the "long way" across every state (and Canadian province...and the African Continent...) made an exception for Florida due to safety. He only rode on little part across.

[MomOnBike]

I have to wonder what orifice they are pulling those stats from. Nebraska is ranked as #43. Here I thought I had things pretty darn good. We have infrastructure (not perfect, but really usable), I believe the legislature just passed a 3-foot passing law, but I wondered why because 99.9% of the drivers give us more than enough room. On the highways, there are generally nice wide shoulders with well-placed rumble strips. that is narrow, and hugging the white line.

I read the troubles that others have with traffic, etc., and marvel at how good things things are for me riding here.

Humph!

[skhill]

Kentucky's in at 44th, that's no great surprise. No shoulders on roads, no 3 ft law (if we did have one, my state rep. would have violated it when his passenger's side mirror just missed me a couple weeks ago). Plus it is perfectly legal to park in or otherwise block a bike lane... Really, the situation's pretty decent in the larger cities, and pretty bad in the rest of the state.

[Norse]

We're no. 2! :) So many bike paths, bike lanes, wide shoulders, the 3 foot rule, the bike-share program in the Twin Cities and lately, increased public education of how bikes and vehicles can get along. That last one is critical considering the explosion of ridership over the past decade.

[GLC1968]

The fact that Florida is perennially rated so high, makes the whole thing suspect IMO. I've never ridden anywhere so hostile to cyclists, from road design, to driver behavior, to the law that says you have to ride on bike paths, to refusal to prosecute drivers for killing cyclists.

I totally agree. In 2011, Florida ranked higher than Oregon and that is so incredibly misleading! It's no wonder my parents fear for my safety all the time. They think biking in Oregon (or NC) is like biking in Florida. You couldn't PAY me to bike on the roads where they live.