Arkansas Ranked 38th Among Bicycle Friendly States

This is the time of year to head outdoors and enjoy a bike ride. Nothing like feeling the wind blow through your hair as you take in all the scenic beauty around you. May is National Bike Month and the League of American Bicyclists has released its seventh annual ranking of bicycle friendly states. The state of Arkansas ranks 38th among the 50 states, one point down from last year, but the results still reflect successful efforts to help promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

The ranking is based on a number of key indicators including infrastructure and funding that provide bicycle facilities; education and programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages and skills to ride a bike. More information about Arkansas’ ranking is found at bikeleague.org/content/states.

Notably among these is an ongoing effort to update the Arkansas State Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. Originally published in 1998, the Plan serves as a reference document for local governments and state agencies to work toward improving the environment for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Updates to the Arkansas State Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan should be complete by the end of this year, followed by a formal presentation to the public in early 2015.

For more information go to arkansasbikepedplan.com.

(Source:Randy Ort/ I Drive Arkansas)