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Another year and another lower ranking for Arizona in the League of American Bicyclists annual Bicycle Friendly State rankings.

This year Arizona fell from the 15th spot in 2014 to 19th in 2015.

Arizona has consistently fallen in the ranking since 2009 when Arizona was ranked 7th.

The state was ranked highest for “policies and programs” as well as “education and encouragement” while is received low rankings for “infrastructure and funding” and “evaluation and planning.”

Here is the feedback provided by the League of American Bicyclists:

• Adopt a statewide Complete Streets policy. The National Complete Streets Coalition has a model state policy and a variety of other resources to ensure adoption and implementation.

• Adopt a statewide, all-ages cell phone and texting ban to combat distracted driving and increase safety for everyone.

• Ensure that no funds from the Transportation Alternatives program are transferred for purposes other than bicycling and walking projects.

• Invest in a Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Program. Modern counting programs rely on a variety of technologies, including continuous counters, to accurately assess the prevalence of people who bike and walk in communities. Consider offering a competitive grant program for communities or fostering a partnership with a university.

• Dedicate additional resources towards fully implementing the state’s existing bicycle plan.

• Arizona has a high number of bicyclist fatalities. Ensure that bicycle safety is a major emphasis in all transportation projects, programs and policies to address this issue.

• Adopt a vulnerable road user law that increases penalties for a motorist that injures or kills a bicyclist or pedestrian. Model language is available here: http://bikeleague.org/content/model-legislation.

• Adopt a graduated licensing or re-testing program for driver’s licensing that includes significant bicycle and pedestrian safety components.

• Hold a state bicycle summit with opportunities for professional development, contact with elected officials, and networking.

Find more information about how the rankings are conducted here and here.

2 thoughts on “Arizona continues slide in Bike Friendly State list”
  1. As long as we continue to elect the same type of legislators every year, none of those suggestions will ever even be considered. Our government follows the ALEC model. Give money to the fossil fuel industry and strip it from every where else. That is why we am planning to move out of this state within 1-2 years.

  2. Did Arizona actually do anything to be rated as high as No. 3 (in 2008)? I think not. It’s kind of a reverse ‘elite by attrition’ thing going on here. We were rated high for a few simple things and when coupled with the state’s main attribute, the weather, those doing the ratings were ‘wowed’.
    Mountain biking has always been fantastic in this state….way before any mountain biking infrastructure was given any thought.  Somebody from somewhere shows up and finds these places to ride and associates how great the weather makes it feel  along with our spectacular scenery and  BAM…we’re No. 3.
    Other places over time build specific infrastructures in concentrated efforts and BAM….we’re No.19.
    It’s OK. Matching Arizona’s total package may not be possible.
    We’re as good as we’ve always been and improving. Chalk it up to a phenomenon of ratings.
    However, the moniker, “Bicycle Friendly” has always jarred me a little. It evokes the image of cyclists and motorists shaking hands while stopped at intersections. Maybe it could be changed to “Bicycling Amenable”. I know it’s more letters but more accurate, I think

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