Moves up from 4^th place

Highest-ranked state on the east coast

Dover, DE – Continuing its steady climb to the top, Delaware has once again moved ahead in the rankings of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly states, according to rankings issued today by the League of American Bicyclists.

“We’ve dedicated to improving our trails and pathways and making Delaware a more bikeable state because we know these efforts pay off by strengthening the quality of life in our communities,” said Governor Markell. “Today’s announcement is more evidence of the progress we have made in harnessing the health, recreation, and economic benefits of cycling. It’s all part of our commitment to ensure Delaware is great location for people to live and work.”

“Delaware’s continued improvement in the annual ranking of bicycle-friendly states is due to the continuing hard work and dedication of public servants and many private citizens,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan.

“DelDOT is proud of our role in helping advance Governor Markell’s vision for a statewide network of inter connected trails and pathways,” Cohan said. “In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing collaboration with everyone who shares the goal of keeping Delaware a national leader in advancing safe, accessible and enjoyable bicycling.”

“This recognition highlights the progress we’ve made through  Gov. Markell’s Trails and Pathways Initiative – which DNREC is proud to partner on with DelDOT,” said Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small. “This program is making the state a healthier, more active, and attractive place to live, work, play and visit. Cyclists get the benefit of not only a healthier lifestyle but a closer view and appreciation of the natural wonders Delaware offers.”

In 2008, when Delaware was ranked 31^st in the nation for bicycle friendly states, at the first Delaware Bicycle Summit, Governor Markell unveiled an ambitious project to make Delaware the nation’s leader, showing the rest of the country the wide-ranging benefits of having a state that is more bicycle friendly.

In the report card issued by the Bicycle League, among Delaware successes, the state was lauded for a safe passing law to give bicyclists enough space when a motorist passes a bicycle, and for having an aggressive share the road campaign

Bike League’s release for Bike Rankings

Delaware’s report card from the Bicycle League

State’s rankings since 2008

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Bike Month brings latest ranking from League of American Bicyclists

Dover – Kicking off National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has released its latest ranking of Bicycle Friendly States. In the seventh annual assessment, Delaware ranked No. 4 nationally, while placing No. 1 in the East and receiving 55.7 points out of 100.

Delaware ranked No. 5 in the League’s 2013 ranking, but ranked No. 31 as recently as 2008. The only states that rank above Delaware in 2014 are Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

“Making Delaware a more bike-friendly state is a central piece of our efforts to ensure Delaware continues to be an attractive place to live, raise a family, and retire,” said Markell. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the seriousness with which leaders across our state, from the administration to the General Assembly to community advocates, have taken our work to extend the reach of existing trails and pathways, while constructing new trails where the opportunities are greatest.”

The Bicycle Friendly States (BFS) ranking is 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 enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride.

The League gave Delaware high marks for its bicycle-friendly policies and programs as well as its education and encouragement of biking among the public. Its annual report card noted new commitments by the state involving bicycle education for police and an emphasis on bicycle safety in strategic highway planning. The League also recognized the potential of a number of projects underway, including city-suburb bikeway connections on the Wilmington-New Castle Greenway, as well as development of the Georgetown-Lewes Trail and Wilmington-Newark bikeway.

“Delaware’s move up nationally from fifth to fourth place is yet another major step on the move towards making Delaware the most bicycle friendly state in America,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “We’ve made major strides in the last two years, under the Governor’s leadership and with our partners, building and connecting trails throughout Delaware. With 74 percent of Delawareans walking or running, this effort is critical to our state’s health, our environment and our economy.  We’re on the right track and on the move toward number-one.”

“Receiving national recognition for the hard work of all involved in our efforts to create a more walkable/bikeable Delaware is truly gratifying,” said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt.  “The trails and pathways that  have been completed or are under construction across our state, as well as those now in the planning stages, deliver on our commitment to provide a transportation system that serves all of our citizens, while building more inter-connected and safer communities.  All Delawareans can be justifiably proud of the ranking our state has achieved.”

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.

“We are excited and encouraged to see real progress in states like California, Minnesota and Utah,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “Overall, we still see a lot of opportunity to realize the huge potential of bicycling to promote health, economic development, and quality of life.”

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

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 partner Trek Bicycle. Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

About the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful unified voice for change. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

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League of American Bicyclists ranks Delaware first among northeastern states

Dover – In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists today released its latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking. In the sixth annual assessment, Delaware achieved a fifth place ranking nationally, while placing number one in the northeastern United States.

“People want to work and live in places they are proud to call home,” said Governor Markell.  “This shows the progress we’ve been making to expand trails and pathways, offering more connected workplaces and homes. We’re on the road to making our quality of life in Delaware #1 in the country. It’s good for families and for businesses who want to grow here.”

In 2011, Governor Markell challenged the state to harness the health, recreation and economic benefits of cycling, and increase Delaware’s ranking in the annual survey of bicycle friendly states.  In doing so, Governor Markell launched the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative; a partnership between DelDOT and DNREC for the planning and construction of new bicycling and pedestrian facilities.   The goal is to enhance existing trails and pathways by making connections that extend their reach, and to construct new ones where the opportunities are greatest.  The initiative was recognized for its significance last year by the League of American Bicyclists, when Delaware moved from 18^th to 10^th place in the 2012 ranking.

“Safe and accessible biking facilities are a smart transportation investment for Delaware residents looking for alternative ways to get to employment, shopping and entertainment venues,” said Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt.   “Coupled with public outreach to educate cyclists and drivers about sharing our roads, these facilities help increase the ease with which bicyclists and motorists successfully interact.  DelDOT is gratified Delaware’s efforts to better serve the bicycling community are achieving the national recognition they deserve.”

“That Delaware should be ranked number-five in the list of bicycle friendly states speaks well of the progress we are making in our effort to build better connections within our communities through the Governor’s Trails and Pathways Initiative,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Now that Delaware has been determined to be the most bicycle friendly state east of the Mississippi, we can say that without a doubt that we are making the state a healthier, more active, more vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit. Stay tuned as we go for number one.”

About the League of American Bicyclists

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.  Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

Media contact: Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager, League of American Bicyclists, (202) 621-5458, Liz@BikeLeague.org