Date:  Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Contact: Ian Macek - WSDOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Program 360-705-7596
Paula Reeves, WSDOT Community Design Assistance 360-705-7258

OLYMPIA – Washington has been rated by the League of American Bicyclists as the nation’s number one “Bicycle Friendly State” for the second year in a row. Washington’s strong commitment to bicycling through its policies, programs and facilities has again earned the state national recognition for its bicycle-friendly communities.

“I’m proud to have our state recognized as a leader in supporting bicycling as a travel and recreation option in our transportation network,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary.

In 2008, Washington was named the first recipient of this now annual ranking of all 50 states. The Bicycle Friendly State Program is a recognition program that ranks a state’s bike-friendliness and recognizes states that actively support bicycling as a way of addressing climate change, traffic congestion, obesity and high fuel prices. States are rated based on their support of bicycling through legislation, policies and programs, education, places to ride, and planning. Washington scored consistently high in all ranking evaluation categories.

States that apply for a Bicycle Friendly State award designation can receive national recognition and promotion of their efforts as well as feedback, technical assistance, training from national experts to improve their bicycle legislation, projects and programs.

The Bicycle Friendly State Program is generously supported by the national bicycle advocacy group “Bikes Belong” and bicycle manufacturer, “Trek.”

Learn more about WSDOT’s bicycling program.

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