Bike Month brings latest ranking from League of American Bicyclists
Little Rock – May 1, 2013 – In honor of National Bike Month, the League has released its latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking. In the sixth annual assessment, Arkansas achieved a 37 ranking nationally, while placing 10 in the Southern Region.
“We are encouraged to see significant progress in top states like Washington, Delaware, Colorado and Oregon,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “But, as the scores clearly highlight, there’s much work to be done in critical areas like infrastructure and planning in every state. ”
The Bicycle Friendly States Ranking is now even more comprehensive, capturing more information than ever before and delving more deeply into the issues embedded in becoming a more bicycle friendly state.
Arkansas’ 37 ranking was based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encourage programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride.
Arkansas ranked 50th in 2012 which sparked creation of a Governor’s Inter-agency Task Force consisting of representatives from Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Arkansas Parks and Tourism, Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Department of Health Services.
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department is currently contracting for a new State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Parks and Tourism is designing a bicycle safety manual and continues to publish a bicycle tourism guide for the state. Arkansas State Police are working to add bicycle/pedestrian laws as part of the drivers license testing and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Association is adding the state’s 3-foot passing law to training for all law enforcement personnel.
A State Bicycle Advocacy Group has formed which combines various local advocacy groups across the state to act as a watchdog group for state bicycle/pedestrian safety and infrastructure issues.
The BFS program is more than an annual assessment. Throughout the year, League staff will work actively with state officials and advocacy leaders to help Arkansas identify and implement the programs, policies and campaigns that will improve conditions for bicyclists.
Click here to see how Arkansas ranked in the five evaluation categories. Learn more about the BFS program at www.bikeleague.org/states.
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.
About the League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.
2 Responses
Mississippi got us at the line?!
Even though we may rank low on the “friendly” scale according to an out of state organizations assessment, we are more fortunate than most in Little Rock to have all the riding opportunities that exist. I would rather have that than an abstract “friendly” rating.