I would not have imagined that Tennessee would rank 2nd as the Friendliest Bike State in the Southeast. Our Governor and others are avid riders but, in honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has ranked Tennessee 2nd in the region and 17th in the nation. This is a large improvement from last year’s 26th place in the Bicycle Friendly States ranking.
“With all the competing transportation needs we have, Tennessee is proud to be making gains in the area of bicycle friendliness,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer. “The network of bike lanes across the state is growing each and every year and we will continue to dedicate funding for important programs such as Safe Routes to School.”
A number of key indicators are used to rank states from infrastructure and money spent to improve cycling to enforcement of bicycle friendly laws. The League of American Bicyclists commended TDOT for developing a statewide bicycle plan, and for including a bicycle safety emphasis in its Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
“We are making great strides in implementing bicycle features into our transportation planning and will continue to work with communities across the state on creating “complete streets” that encourage cycling and other modes of transportation,” added TDOT Chief of Environment and Planning Toks Omishakin. “These efforts will help us continue to improve our bicycle friendly ranking.”
For more information on TDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, please visit www.tdot.state.tn.us/bikeped/.
