Arizona moved up two spots in the League of American Bicyclists’ Bike Friendly State ranking released last month.
Arizona moved from No.16 to to No. 14. The state is still five spots lower than it was in 2009 when it was ranked No. 9.
In its “report card” the LAB suggested several things to improve Arizona’s rankings. It said:
- Adopt a statewide Complete Streets policy. The National Complete Streets Coalition has a model state policy and other resources to ensure adoption and implementation.
- Develop a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) curriculum for bicycling enforcement both for new officers and continuing education – focus on laws related to bicyclists, interactions between motorists and bicyclists, and bicycle collision investigation.
- Adopt federal funding project rating criteria that incentivize bicycle projects and accommodations. The majority of the state’s spending is focused on a handful of sources (e.g. CMAQ) but neglects others (e.g. TE, HSIP)
- Hold a bicycle ride sponsored by the Governor and/or legislators to show their constituents that their elected officials support bicycling.
- The League is excited to see the outcomes of the Statewide Bicycle Plan. Ensure the necessary resources are dedicated toward implementation, Ensure that many of the bicycle friendly programs and projects in metro areas are being implemented statewide.
Check out the report card here.