Virginia is the 17th-most Bicycle Friendly State in the country according to The League of American Bicyclists recently released list for 2012. Regionally, Virginia ranked as the No. 1 most bicycle-friendly state in the south.

The annual rankings are compiled by League staff for an annual assessment that involves working with state officials to identify policies and infrastructure that will improve life for bicyclists.

States are ranked based on their scores in five evaluation categories. Category scores are ranked from one to five with one being the lowest and five being the highest. Virginia received a five for “Policies and Programs”, a three in the “Education and Encouragement” and “Evaluation and Planning” categories, and a two in the “Legislation and Enforcement” and “Infrastructure and Funding” categories.

Among the feedback for Virginia, the League suggested the state:

• Adopt federal funding project rating cri­teria that incentivize bicycle projects and accommodations.
• Focus Complete Streets training and ac­countability to ensure consistent application throughout the state.
• Adopt a vulnerable road user law with a minimum safe passing distance to address bicyclist safety.

To see additional feedback, view the PDF at right.

Washington state was selected as the country’s most bicycle friendly state for the fifth year in a row. According to the press release, Washington leads the “nation in creating new bicycle infrastructure and using federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects.”

Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan Meetings

Fairfax County has a Bicycle Transportation Master Plan geared toward identifying “specific road and trail improvements that are needed to accommodate and encourage bicycling within and between activity and population centers throughout Fairfax County.”

The Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB) will host a public meeting about the draft of the Master Plan tonight at the George Mason Regional Library from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To learn more about the BFS program at www.bikeleague.org/states.