Oregon Rated #3 Among Bike-Friendly US States
Oregon was ranked #3 in the US when it comes to being bicycle-friendly. The biennial 2024 Bicycle Friendly States Report & Ranking, released yesterday by the League of American Bicyclists, indicated that Oregon has made progress in funding bicycle projects and looked at critical areas for improvement.
Oregon Rates 3rd In US For Bicycle Friendliness
The League’s survey and data collection analyses how each state is improving conditions for bicycling using factors such as funding, policies, safety, and infrastructure.
The report recognized several programs and investments to enhance bicycle and pedestrian access and safety in Oregon, including several ODOT initiatives, such as:
- Vulnerable User Crash Response Program to address severe crashes involving people walking, biking, and rolling.
- Active Transportation Needs Inventory collects data on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, and road shoulders to inform investments.
- Safe Routes to School
- Innovative Mobility Programs for low-barrier funding for transportation needs in historically underserved communities.
Oregon Ranks #1 For Bicycle Program Funding
The Oregon Transportation Commission approved $55 million in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan in 2021 for pedestrian and bicycle projects, including the Safe Routes to School project.
The following year, the Commission decided to invest significant one-time federal funds over and above the 2021 23% increase over three years.
The funding led to Oregon ranking #1 nationwide for funding bicycle programs and projects. ODOT Director Kris Strickler said, “I am proud of ODOT’s investments in projects that improve safety and accessibility for biking in Oregon.”
Strickler confirmed that Governor Kotek has made improving transportation safety a key budget priority in the coming biennium, and the investments wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of our Commission.
The Commission is looking forward to working with the legislature to carry the priorities forward.
Suzanne Carlson, who oversees ODOT’s public and active transportation division, said the League ranking recognizes the good work done by Oregon at every level, which makes it easier and safer to bike.
Carlson said ODOT continues to focus on improving safety for everyone, particularly those who walk and bike.
The report confirms that states in the top rankings have policies, practices, and resources that support improving conditions for people who bike, but the work is ongoing in the state. ODOT will continue implementing planned safety investments, increasing investment in this area as funding becomes available.
Oregon seeks to continue to improve the state’s infrastructure and improve safety for the state’s most vulnerable users.
Sources & References
- Press release from The Oregon Department of Transportation
- https://bikeleague.org/bfa/states/…