New York is cruising in the middle of the pack when it comes to the most bike-friendly states in the country, according to the League of American Bicyclists’ 2015 rankings.
The Empire State was No. 29, an improvement over last year.
But the good news for bicyclists is that New York has improved over its 2008-2013 rank, when it hovered around the bottom third of states.
The states are scored, up to 100 points, based on infrastructure, funding, planning, education and policies promoting bicycling. Washington State ranked No. 1 for the second year in a row, with 66.8 points. New York registered 35 points.
New York improved in the infrastructure and funding category over last year, but did worse in bike-specific legislation and enforcement policies, according to the league’s report card for the state.
A few suggestions from the group include a law requiring at least three feet between a bicyclist and a passing motorist; bike safety measures in all transportation projects and programs; and standards and training for police officers about bike-related laws, accident investigations and interactions between drivers and bicyclists.
