State drops 1 to 38th in bike-friendly list

The League of American Bicyclists announced its 2014 ranklings, oops, rankings of Bicycle Friendly States on Thursday and hoorah! Arkansas is not dead last.

But, boo, the state has dropped one number spot, from the 37th most bike-friendly state in 2013 to No. 38.

That is below Mississippi. Mississippi ranked No. 31 - up from 36th in 2013.

The national nonprofit assesses the 50 states based upon their voluntary answers to questions about policies and conditions related to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The state Highway and Transportation Department bicycle and pedestrian coordinator submits Arkansas’ answers.

Besides a critique, the league provides advice to improve the state’s score. Among the suggestions:

A “share the road” education campaign.

A “vulnerable road user law” increasing penalties for motorists who injure or kill a bicyclist or pedestrian.

A statewide Complete Streets policy and tools for tracking compliance. Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach requiring that streets be safe and convenient for people of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation.

A statewide advocacy coalition that holds regular meetings for professional development and networking.

A statewide bicycle advisory committee to provide accountability for bicycle projects and programs.

Paxton Roberts, executive director of Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks, said Thursday that he thinks the current Governor’s Bicycle Advisory Group of agency administrators, formed in 2012, doesn’t count because but it was appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe and is not guaranteed to exist after he leaves office.

Roberts added that he thinks this weekend’s Bike/ Walk Arkansas Summit at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock will raise the state’s rankings next year.

The report card is online at bikewalkar.org under “Resources.”

ActiveStyle, Pages 25 on 05/05/2014

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