Delaware jumped from 18th to 10th in rankings created by League of American Bicyclists.

Dover — The League of American Bicyclists issued a report today that affirmed what many Delawareans already know – that Delaware is one of the best places in the country to ride a bicycle, but officials are not resting on their laurels.

Delaware is the  10th most bicycle friendly state in the country, according to the League of American Bicyclists. Cited for the state’s strong programs in education and bicycle-friendly legislation, Delaware rose from its 2011 ranking of 18th.

Delaware’s ranking was based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encourage programs that promote cycling; and passage and en-forcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride

In a press release issued by the cycling organization, the Bike League wrote that Delaware is leading the way for other states. “With dedicated state funding for bicycling projects, Governor Jack Markell, DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara are leading the way to create a multi-modal transportation system,” the release states. “In addition, the partnership between DelDOT and Bike Delaware, the state-wide advocacy group, is a model for other states seeking to become more bike-friendly.”

Governor Markell said the national ranking affirms the efforts over the past year by state officials, bicycle advocates and residents. “We welcome our rise in the ranking as recognition of what we are doing to make walkable, bikeable communities a priority in Delaware,” said Governor Jack Markell, who is himself an avid cyclist. “Trails and bike routes are a part of a vision for a state with interconnected communities. We will continue working to make Delaware an attractive place not only to bike, but to live and work.”

As secretary of DelDOT, Bhatt has taken the governor’s vision of making Delaware the most bike-friendly state in the country, and led the agency in numerous efforts to make that vision a reality. “Less than a year ago, we publicly announced that one of our goals was to return Delaware to the Top 10, and we’ve done it,” Bhatt said. “However, much works remains. This is just the first item within a major, multi-agency effort to improve the infrastructure for alternative transportation, like bicycles.”

“Propelled by Governor Markell’s vision, Delaware is well on its way to becoming the First State in Trails. Recent strategic trail investments are providing critical transportation and recreational opportunities, reducing air pollution, and supporting local economies–and establishing Delaware as a national leader,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara.

The 2012 Bicycle Friendly States Ranking marks the launch of an updated and improved evaluation process. Throughout 2011, the League held Bicycle Friendly America listening sessions across the country to understand the successes and shortcomings of the program. Based on public input, the the Bicycle Friendly State survey was revised to give a clearer picture of a state’s accomplishments and next steps towards becoming more bike-friendly.

The BFS program is more than an annual assessment. Throughout the year, League staff will work actively with state officials and advocacy leaders to help Delaware identify and implement the programs, policies and campaigns that will improve conditions for bicyclists.

Learn more about the BFS program at www.bikeleague.org/states.

For more information about the First Trails and Pathways Initiative, visit trails.delaware.gov.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign. Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

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 or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

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