Colorado Ranks Fourth in 2012 Bicycle-Friendly State Rankings
The 2012 Bicycle-Friendly States Rankings by the League of American Bicyclists show a big shift for Colorado. Our state ranked 4th this year, joining the top states for the first time since the rankings began in 2008. Colorado climbed from 22th place to where we sit now in just a few short years! The rankings are based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encouragement 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.
The League's release stated, “Colorado exemplifies many of the qualities the League looks for in a bicycle friendly state, including a bicycle commuter mode share that’s more than double the national average, a bike-friendly department of transportation, and a top-notch statewide advocacy group.”
Bicycle Colorado and our members are honored to be highlighted as a factor in making Colorado a great place to ride! Praise also extends to the Colorado Department of Transportation and our Colorado Legislature for actions that have resulted in improved bicycling.
Bicycle-Friendly Laws Colorado's report card states that, “Practically all of Colorado’s state traffic laws related to bicycling are national models.” This is due in large part to the effort of Bicycle Colorado’s members working with state legislators to pass several bicycle-friendly bills. A special thanks goes to all the legislative leaders who have sponsored and championed these bills.
Infrastructure and Funding Bicycle Colorado is grateful to have the opportunity to work with an amazing state department of transportation that understands the importance of bicycling as part of the state's transportation system. CDOT’s commitment to including the needs of people who bike and walk in road design is evident through a dedicated chapter on bicycle and pedestrian facility design in its Roadway Design Guide and its developing Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Education and Encouragement Since 2006, Bicycle Colorado’s education team has worked in nearly 100 schools, teaching approximately 44,000 Colorado schoolchildren how to safely ride bikes as part of the Safe Routes to School program.
Bicycle Commuting and Events The enthusiasm and high numbers of riders in our state is apparent by people commuting by bike at twice the national average and by the number of bicycling events. Bicycle Colorado is fortunate to have a number of event members that help support our work of creating a more bicycle-friendly Colorado.
Thanks to everyone for playing a part in Colorado's success by riding your bike. Bicycle Colorado will continue our focus toward making our state the best place to ride a bicycle.
For more information about the 2012 Bicycle-Friendly State Rankings, click here.
Bicycle-Friendly Laws
