The League of American Bicyclists has named Maine as the third most bike-friendly state in the country. Maine rose three spots in the 2009 ranking, based on a 75-item survey covering legislation, education, policies and programs, infrastructure, evaluation and planning, enforcement and efforts to encourage people to bike for transportation and recreation.

"Our ranking is a tribute to 17 years of advocacy by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) working with local bicycle advocates, bike shops and clubs, supportive legislators and MaineDOT to improve cycling conditions in our state," said Allison Vogt, BCM's executive director.

"The Maine law requiring motorists to give three feet of clearance when passing bikes has become a model for other states," Vogt said. "The Bicycle Coalition of Maine partners with MaineDOT to teach bicycle safety to 10,000 schoolchildren each year, and we manage the state's Safe Routes to School program. We train police officers about bicycle safety and the law. We also work with state agencies on an effective Share the Road media campaign."

Vogt said that Maine still has much to accomplish to improve bicycle safety and access. BCM's top legislative priority this session is implementing Complete Streets policies ensuring that roads are built to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists. A Complete Streets bill now is before the Legislature's Natural Resources Committee, and similar legislation is being considered at the federal level.

"Now more than ever, Maine people are using bicycles to improve their health, save money, protect the environment and enjoy our beautiful state," Vogt said. "We have a great opportunity to build on this success."

"Creating bike-friendly communities will reap economic benefits by helping Maine attract residents, businesses and more bicycle tourism. Until every road is safe for biking, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine will continue to work as the voice of Maine's bicyclists to improve conditions for biking through increased funding, better roads and by spreading the word to Share the Road."

Maine was number six in the League's initial ranking of Bicycle Friendly States last year. Washington and Wisconsin have held the number one and number two spots, respectively, for both years. More information about the 2009 rankings can be found at www.bicyclefriendlystates.org.