These are the Most Bicycle Friendly States in America, New Report

Every two years, the League of American Bicyclists releases its highly anticipated Bicycle Friendly State Rankings, and the 2024 edition highlights both the progress some states have made and the challenges that still lie ahead in creating safer environments for cyclists. The rankings provide a snapshot of how well each state is supporting cycling, from infrastructure to safety laws, funding, and more. This year’s results show that while some states are making great strides, others still have significant work to do to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.

At the top of the list, Washington once again claims the number one spot, a position it has held for several years. Washington’s success can be attributed to its comprehensive approach to cycling, which includes a strong statewide bike plan, significant investments in bike infrastructure, and a focus on education. The state’s youth bicycle education programs are particularly notable, setting an example for others to follow.

“Creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone starts with leadership at the state level,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. “In the states at the top of the list, we see places where advocates, lawmakers, and decision makers are united in their belief that better bicycling benefits everyone.”

Seattle, Washington

Massachusetts, Oregon, and California round out the top four states. Each of these states has been a leader in passing laws that protect cyclists, developing extensive bike networks, and investing in bike-friendly infrastructure. Massachusetts, for instance, earned high marks for its strong safety laws and comprehensive planning efforts. Oregon, known for its commitment to sustainable transportation, continues to invest heavily in bike infrastructure, while California’s vast network of bike lanes and bike-share programs has made it a standout for cyclists.

But while these states are leading the charge, the rankings also reveal that many states are lagging behind when it comes to making cycling a safe and viable option. States like South Carolina, Mississippi, and Missouri are near the bottom of the list, showing that there is still a long way to go in many parts of the country. These states often lack the critical policies or investments that are necessary to support cyclists, such as statewide bike plans, bike safety laws, and dedicated funding for bike infrastructure.

The rankings also shine a light on the ongoing traffic safety crisis in the U.S., particularly when it comes to cyclist fatalities. Preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association suggests that 2023 saw a record number of cyclists killed—1,149, an increase from previous years. This serves as a stark reminder that while progress is being made, much more needs to be done to improve safety on the roads.

“Creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone starts with leadership at the state level,” Nesper emphasized. “This year’s rankings celebrate the progress some states have made, but the record number of bicyclist deaths is a stark reminder that more must be done to protect people who bike.”

Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Oregon

One key area where many states are still falling short is in tracking bike ridership. The League’s “Every Ride Counts” category, which measures how well states are counting and understanding bicycle use, was the lowest-scoring category overall. Without reliable data on how many people are biking, it’s difficult to make informed decisions about where to invest in bike infrastructure or what safety measures to implement.

“Understanding where people are biking and how often is crucial to improving conditions for cyclists,” Nesper explained. “We need better data to make better decisions about where to prioritize investments and how to keep people safe.”

Despite these challenges, there is some good news. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has provided record levels of funding for bike and pedestrian projects over the past two years. While this federal funding is a step in the right direction, Nesper stresses that it’s important for states to ensure that these funds are used effectively to make lasting improvements to bike infrastructure.

“We’ve seen record investments in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, but we need to make sure these funds are being used to create safe, connected networks for cyclists,” Nesper said. “The goal is to create communities where cycling is not just an option for a few but a safe, accessible mode of transportation for everyone.”

Looking ahead, the 2024 Bicycle Friendly State Rankings provide a clear call to action for states that have room to improve. The rankings highlight the importance of strong leadership at the state level, with policies that prioritize safety, education, and investment in bike infrastructure. They also underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to understanding how many people are cycling and where, so that future efforts can be better targeted.

“This year’s findings show that progress is possible, but it requires commitment and collaboration,” Nesper emphasized. “Now is the time for state leaders to take action—by enacting better laws, investing in safe and connected infrastructure, expanding access to bicycling education, and prioritizing proven safety measures—to reverse troubling trends and build a safer future for everyone who bikes.”

For states at the top of the rankings, the challenge is to continue building on their successes and ensure that biking remains a safe and accessible mode of transportation for all residents. For those at the bottom, there is plenty of room to improve—by adopting better policies, increasing funding for bike infrastructure, and taking steps to protect cyclists on the roads.

The League of American Bicyclists encourages all states to use the rankings as a tool to assess their progress and make the necessary changes to improve conditions for cycling. With more attention to safety, data, and infrastructure, the vision of a Bicycle Friendly America is within reach.

Read the full bicycle friendly states report here.