RAGBRAI

To coincide with Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists announced their third annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings. The League named Iowa as seventh.

“We are delighted to report that states, and statewide bicycle advocates, are using this program to target legislative changes, adopt new policies and even start new advocacy groups in order to improve conditions for cyclists,” said Andy Clarke, League President. “Change at the state level is harder to see than in a community or business, but is no less important – and we are seeing real progress.”

Iowa is a stand-out state for its initiative and progress to become more bicycle-friendly. “Iowa has worked hard in the education and encouragement areas with an active Safe Routes to School Program and bike safety taught in Driver’s Education,” says Mark Wyatt, director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

To learn more about the League’s Bicycle Friendly State program visit bicyclefriendlystate.org. View the 2010 BFS Rankings list, complete with BFS awards, and a breakdown of how the states fared in each evaluation category.  To read the full story on Iowa’s ranking, visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition site.

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. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a state-wide bicycle advocacy organization with 1,300 members and over 7,000 partners through affiliate organizations throughout Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.