Oregon, Washington rank top 3 in bike-friendly states, new report says

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Pacific Northwest continues to be a great place for cyclists, according to the results of a recent report.

Conducted by the League of American Cyclists, the report takes into consideration things like infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, traffic laws and practices, policies and programs, along with evaluation and planning. 

Oregon was ranked in third place and Washington the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Sandwiched in between the two was Massachusetts.

Washington moved up from its third place in 2022 back to the top spot it has held every since the rankings began in 2008. The state's score of 100% in policies and infrastructure more than likely influenced this result.

"In 2022 the WA state legislature passed the Move Ahead Washington funding package, which will invest $1.3 billion in active transportation over 16 years, and a four-fold increase from prior funding levels, including many new programs like statewide bicycle education," the report noted.

Although Oregon ranked number one for funding in bicycle programs and projects, the state moved down from its previously held number two spot.

“Unfortunately, Oregon is number 3 because of an increase in bicyclist deaths," said League Policy Director Ken McLeod. "Oregon experienced one of the 10 largest increases in the rate of bicyclist deaths per bike commuter and in the last several years.”

Despite this, these ranking marks the fourth time Oregon has ranked in the top three. This year, the organization applauded Oregon's programs and investments to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety.

"Oregon had an incredible increase in the amount of federal funds obligated to biking and walking projects in FY2022," the report noted. "The League hopes that this level of investment continues as several high profile highway megaprojects in the Portland area continue to dominate discourse about Oregon’s transportation investments."

Read the full report cards for each state and see all 50 state rankings here.