ST. PAUL, Minn.– Kicking off National Bike Month, the
League of American Bicyclists today announced that Minnesota ranks as
the second most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Minnesota has
consistently ranked in the top five since 2008.
“This
ranking is recognition of the work on behalf of bicycling being done by
both the public and private sectors throughout the state,” said Dorian
Grilley, executive director, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “It is not
only because of the good work that is being done by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation, but because the Department of Health,
Explore Minnesota Tourism, Department of Natural Resources, other
public agencies, local governments and many of our state's businesses,
both big and small, are all engaged in making bicycling better in
Minnesota,"
Nearly
half of Minnesotans rode a bicycle last year, according to the
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2012 Omnibus Transportation
Survey.
The Bicycle Friendly States ranking
is based on key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that
provide safe places to bike; 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 and abilities
to ride.
"We
are excited and encouraged to see real progress in states like
California, Minnesota and Utah," said Andy Clarke, president of the
League of American Bicyclists. "Overall, we still see a lot of
opportunity to realize the huge potential of bicycling to promote
health, economic development, and quality of life."
Washington
remains the top ranked state for the seventh year in a row, followed by
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Delaware and Oregon. Minnesota received its
ranking because of many reasons, including:
· Partnerships
among several state agencies and local/statewide advocacy groups that
are encouraging increased commuter and recreational bicycle use and
leading the Safe Routes to School program.
· Recognition
as the “Best Trails State” in the nation in 2012. The state features
more than 600 miles of paved trails managed by the Department of Natural
Resources. The DNR adds about 10 miles of paved trail to the system
each year. National, regional and local governments manage thousands of
additional trail miles.
· Nice
Ride Minnesota, the first large-scale bicycle sharing system in the
nation, expanded into St. Paul in 2012.The program has more than 1,500
bicycles and 170 kiosks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Expansion is also
planned in Greater Minnesota.
· The
Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Transportation
and the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota published “WALK! BIKE! FUN!” — a comprehensive curriculum
with engaging lessons for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Through classroom activities and on-the-bike skills practice,
instructors can teach young people how to travel safely in their
communities.
· The state has high rates of bicycle commuting and recreational use.
· The nationally recognized bicycle safety education campaign, “Share the Road,” helps improve awareness of bicycle laws for both motorists and bicyclists.
Several
state agencies, including the departments of Health, Natural Resources,
Transportation and Tourism invest in bicycling as an important
component of Minnesota’s transportation system. Bicycle tourism has a
positive impact on Minnesota’s economy and being physically active can
decrease the risk of a variety of diseases such as heart disease and
stroke, diabetes, depression and certain types of cancer.
“This
year’s bicycle friendly state announcement is a great acknowledgement
of the dedication and commitment of our many agency partners, advocates
and bicyclists from across the state towards making Minnesota a bicycle
friendly state,” said Tim Mitchell, Minnesota Department of
Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.
He said the Minnesota Department of Health has helped elevate interest in biking in the state. “Their
Statewide Health Improvement Program has assisted more than 250
communities to increase access to bicycling and walking opportunities
over the past few years, making the healthy choice an easy choice.”
Mitchell
said while the ranking is a great achievement, there is work to do. “We
can do even better,” he added. “The best way to continue to improve is
to learn from constituents who use the highways, bike lanes and
shoulders to bike.
