Oregon ranked third-most bike-friendly state in the nation by League of American Bicyclists
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The League of American Bicyclists released their biennial 2024 Bicycle Friendly States Report & Ranking on Thursday, and Oregon was ranked as the #3 most bicycle friendly state in the nation.
The comprehensive survey and data collection conducted for this report looks at how each state is improving conditions for bicycling—from funding and policies to safety and infrastructure. “States that rank near the top have policies, practices and resources that support improving conditions for people who bike,” the report states.
Oregon’s report card recognized a range of Oregon’s programs and investments to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety, including ODOT’s:
- Innovative Vulnerable User Crash Response Program that seeks to learn and respond with design changes to severe crashes involving people walking, biking and rolling.
- Data collection on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared use paths and road shoulders to support ongoing investments with the Active Transportation Needs Inventory.
- Leadership in equity through programs like Safe Routes to School and the Innovative Mobility Program’s microgrants that provide low-barrier funding for transportation needs in historically underserved communities.
Oregon ranked #1 in the country for funding bicycle programs and projects. In 2021, the Oregon Transportation Commission approved $55 million in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for pedestrian and bicycle projects and Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects. This was a 23% increase over a three-year period. The following year the Commission made the decision to invest a significant amount of one-time federal funds in multimodal investments that improve safety and accessibility.
“I am proud of ODOT’s investments in projects that improve safety and accessibility for biking in Oregon. Those investments wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of our Commission,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “Governor Kotek has made improving transportation safety one of her key budget priorities in the coming biennium, and we look forward to working with the legislature to carry forward these priorities.”
Implementing ODOT’s planned investments in safety, and continuing to increase investment in this area as funding becomes available, will allow the agency to continue to improve the state’s infrastructure and improve safety for our most vulnerable users.
“This high ranking is a recognition of the good work Oregon has done, at every level, to make it easier and safer to bike,” said Suzanne Carlson, who oversees ODOT’s public and active transportation division. “The work is far from done and we have to focus on improving safety for everyone—especially those who walk and bike. ODOT will continue to work with our partners and the public to make biking a safe, accessible and reliable transportation choice.”
Learn more about the report here: State Ranking and Report Cards | League of American Bicyclists.
