The League of American Bicyclists has just launched their Bicycle Friendly States program.
Similar to their successful Bicycle Friendly Communities program this new campaign will look to “rank and recognize states that actively support bicycling.” Here’s more from the League’s website:
“First, states are ranked annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. Secondly, states that wish to apply for a Bicycle Friendly State award designation can receive further recognition and promotion of their efforts as well as feedback, technical assistance, training and further encouragement to improve their bicycling legislation, projects, and programs.”
(Photo © J. Maus)
I don’t have many details yet (it was just pointed out to me by a reader — thanks Jessica!), but I’m sure Oregon will be one of the first states to apply.
And in case you’re wondering, yes, I do think Oregon is the most bike-friendly state (next week I’ll list all the reasons why). Remember back in April of 2007 when the League’s executive director Andy Clarke (speaking at the Oregon Bike Summit) said:
“Oregon is setting the standard and leading the country in innovative policies and programs for bicycling.”
What states do you think can compete with Oregon for the “most bike-friendly” title?
Thanks for reading.
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Oregon the first … medium sized west coast wet and sunny …platinum state?
Could other states rank higher than Oregon because a broader range of communities in the state are bike-friendly even though this (theoretical state) doesn\’t have a platinum ranked city?
It seems like this program is targeted at getting states with a bike-friendly metropolis, like Portland, to recognize that the surrounding cities and towns need bike infrastructure as well.
I know what you mean, Snowflake Seven. I think Wisconsin could give Oregon some competition in that respect.
Idaho will be a contender due to their liberal stop sign and red light traffic laws toward cyclists.
while I agree with 4 that the rolling stop and \”dead\” red laws in Idaho are positives, I doubt very much that this kind of thing ranks with LAB
r.
[arriving portland 06.03.08]
1) Until Oregon gets rid of its discriminatory laws requiring cyclists to ride in bike lanes, it should not even be considered.
There is nothing friendly about treating cyclists like second class citizens.
2) I\’m sick of LAB hiding behind AASHTO. The standards for door zone bike lanes are unethical. LAB should be working on the behalf of cyclists to do away with standards which place any part of a bike lane within reach of a car door.
Is our safety worth something? Or are we just expendable foot soldiers in the campaign to promote cycling?