Idaho drops in bicycle friendly ranking

BOISE - In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has released its latest Bicycle Friendly States Ranking.

In the eighth annual assessment, Idaho dropped one spot to No. 21 nationally, from No. 20 in 2014.

Idaho's No. 21 ranking was 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.

"We are disappointed about dropping from No. 20 down to 21 in the rankings," said Cynthia Gibson, executive director of Idaho Walk Bike Alliance. "We have steadily moved up in the rankings over the last three years - that requires a lot of hard work around the state. While we see many improvements, other states are also working hard which raises the bar for us. We will continue to work to improve Idaho's bicycling infrastructure so we can climb back into the top 20."

According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, currently 1.2 percent of Idahoans - about 8,291 individuals - bicycle commute to work. As more bicycle infrastructure is built and road awareness education campaigns are used, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance expects this number to increase.

* About the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance

The mission of the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is to promote active transportation as healthy, safe and reliable for all Idahoans. For more information or to support Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, visit www.idahowalkbike.org.

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 visit www.bikeleague.org.