- Washington state tops national bike-friendly rankings thanks to big investments in youth bike education, infrastructure, complete streets, and climate action.
Washington state has once again been named the most bike-friendly state in the nation by the League of American Bicyclists.
Washington won the top ranking “because of its comprehensive attention to the issues that face people bicycling” and due to its “leadership that moves bicycling forward,” says Ken McLeod, the league’s policy director.
Washington has held the top spot in the league’s national rankings nearly every year since 2008, when the first rankings were released.
Washington Bikes Deputy Director Vicky Clarke says the bike-friendly rankings are useful for tracking the most important policies and investments that advance bicycling–and how we can do even better.
“Winning the top position shows that our advocacy is paying off,” Clarke says. “But we’ve got a lot more work to do to end the traffic safety crisis and ensure that everyone who bikes can do so safely and comfortably.”
Washington state grabbed the top spot thanks in part to our Statewide School-Based Bicycle Safety Education Program that is funded by the state and delivered by our sister organization Cascade Bicycle Club.
“Washington is a leader in teaching our youth how to safely ride, with 90 percent of public school children on track to receive bike education as part of their schooling by the end of the next decade,” Clarke says.
Washington got top-ten scores in every category of the bike league’s rankings, with perfect scores in the Infrastructure and Planning categories.
McLeod complimented the Washington State Department of Transportation for supporting municipalities with bike infrastructure design guidance and training. He called Washington a “role model” for how to deliver bike education to youth.
Barb Chamberlain, WSDOT Active Transportation Division Director, is proud of the part her agency has played in making Washington state a great place for people who bike.
“We really appreciate the League recognizing Washington state this way,” Chamberlain said. “I’m proud of the work WSDOT and our partners are doing to support safety, comfort, and accessibility for everyone who rides a bike.
“We’re especially grateful to the Legislature for their investments in programs and projects to make Washington a leader in this space. We’re funding bike lanes and shared-use paths, we’re improving streets, and we’re preparing the next generation of riders through the school-based bicycle education program, among other things. Our work in the Active Transportation Division and all of WSDOT for Complete Streets, highway safety, and more will keep us moving toward a system that works well for everyone, regardless of whether or not they ride a bike.”
Top Reasons WA is Most Bike-Friendly
Big Investments:
- The Move Ahead Washington law signed in 2022 devotes $1.3 billion in spending for protected bike lanes, multi-use trails, Safe Routes to School, as well as biking and walking infrastructure. That represents a four-fold increase in dollars for active transportation over prior years. The funding package included new ways for the state to partner with less-resourced communities to better compete for limited grants. Move Ahead WA also targeted dollars to improve connectivity for people walking, biking, and rolling in communities most affected by barriers to opportunity and environmental health disparities.
Statewide Youth Bike Education:
- Washington has devoted $216 million for the School-Based Bicycle Safety Education Program, the largest statewide youth bicycling education initiative of its kind in the nation. Cascade Bicycle Club is delivering the bike education program via funding from WSDOT and in partnership with school districts and community-based organizations across the state. Already, elementary school kids in Spokane, Bellingham, Tacoma, and more, are receiving bike education as part of their PE curriculum. High school students are served via an out-of-school and after school youth development program, modeled on Cascade’s Major Taylor Project. Equity is central to this expansion: Cascade is prioritizing communities where equity, safety, and community plans point to the highest need.
Progressive Bike Laws:
- Washington state is a leader in passing laws to make streets safer for people on bikes. Decades of advocacy in Olympia by Washington Bikes has helped win passage of laws such as the Safety Stop, the “safe passing law” that requires drivers to give you at least three feet, and “20 is Plenty” legislation that makes it easier for cities to lower speed limits.
Complete Streets:
- Many Washington communities have adopted Complete Streets policies over the last decade. Now, the Washington State Department of Transportation is implementing a law that went into effect in 2022 requiring state transportation projects costing more than $500,000 to incorporate Complete Streets principles into their design. The goal is to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility for all road users.
Climate Justice:
- The Climate Commitment Act is a historic law that voters resoundingly supported during the recent general election. This law is the source of funding for our statewide youth bike education initiatives. The biggest climate polluters pay, and the proceeds are invested into making our communities healthier, more sustainable, and climate resilient.
Lobby Your Legislators Feb. 11-12
Washington has some of the best biking conditions and bike safety laws in the nation thanks to decades of advocacy. But democracy requires participation. We need your help!
Join us in Olympia for WA Bikes Lobby Days, Feb. 11-12. No experience necessary. We will provide training prior to visiting the Statehouse for meeting with legislators; we’ll also host an informal reception with legislative leaders.
