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Montana Ranks 39th Among Bike Friendly States

By Beacon Staff

In honor of National Bike Month, the latest ranking of bicycle friendly states has been released. Montana ranked 39th overall and 11th in the Western Region in the sixth annual assessment released May 1 by the League of American Bicyclists.

Montana’s ranking was based on a number of indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encourage programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride.

The Treasure State ranked lowest in two of the five categories: infrastructure and funding; and evaluation and planning. The three other categories all scored near the bottom.

The report card did highlight a few positives: Montana communities are making great progress with increasing the number of recreational trails, and holding local events that encourage more bike riding, according to the news release.

On a statewide level, Montana has a new statewide advocacy group, Bike Walk Montana, which is working towards creating safer and more accessible places to ride.

“We are encouraged to see significant progress in top states like Washington, Delaware, Colorado and Oregon,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “But, as the scores clearly highlight, there’s much work to be done in critical areas like infrastructure and planning in every state. ”

Click here to see how Montana ranked in the five evaluation categories.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.