Idaho ranks 20th in bicyclist friendliness

Idaho is now the 20th most bicycle-friendly state in the nation, up from No. 26 in the 2013 rankings, according to the League of American Bicyclists.

This is the seventh year the league has ranked states for their friendliness to cyclists.

"We are encouraged by the improved ranking," said Cynthia Gibson, executive director of Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, in a press release. "We are now among an elite group of states that work hard to improve conditions for bicyclists."

Gibson said her agency worked collaboratively with the Idaho Transportation Department to maintain Transportation Alternative funding for community improvements for biking and walking.

Idaho's No. 20 ranking was based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provides 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.

According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, 1.2 percent of Idahoans currently bicycle to work. This equates to almost 8,300 people. As more bicycle infrastructure is built, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance expects this number to increase.

For more info: www.idahowalkbike.org or www.bikeleague.org

• The League of American Bicyclist's latest ranking of the states according to bike friendliness:

1. Washington

2. Minnesota

3. Wisconsin

4. Delaware

5. Oregon

6. Colorado

7. Maryland

8. Utah

9. California

10. Massachusetts

11. Illinois

12. New Jersey

13. Maine

14. Michigan

15. Arizona

16. Ohio

17. Vermont

18. Virginia

19. Pennsylvania

20. Idaho

21. Connecticut

22. Tennessee

23. North Carolina

24. New Hampshire

25. Iowa

26. Georgia

27. Rhode Island

28. Florida

29. New York

30. Nevada

31. Mississippi

32. Louisiana

33. Texas

34. Missouri

35. North Dakota

36. Wyoming

37. Indiana

38. Arkansas

39. South Dakota

40. Hawaii

41. New Mexico

42. Oklahoma

43. Alaska

44. West Virginia

45. Nebraska

46. Kansas

47. South Carolina

48. Kentucky

49. Montana

50. Alabama

Source: www.bikeleague.org