Washington is still the most bike friendly state

The League of American Bicyclists released its annual ranking of the most bike friendly states today. For the eighth year in a row, Washington took top honors.

Washington is well-known for its sustainable infrastructure and commitment to alternative transportation, and is home to largest cycling organization in the United States, the Cascade Bicycle Club, which has 15,000 members.

"In Washington, we're focusing on connected communities and sustainable transportation, and bicycling is an important element of that multimodal system," Washington Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson told the League. "There's more work ahead, and this recognition tells us we're on the right path."

Some states made large leaps in this years results. Massachusetts had previously dropped from third in 2012, to 10th last year. This year the state is almost back to its former glory at number four.

Other states dropped considerable amounts. Iowa, which has been ranked as high as 6th in years past, dropped to 28th this year.

Rankings are compiled through surveys distributed by the League to each state's "bicycle coordinator" and then compiled and verified by League staff in conjunction with advocates in each state.

States are awarded points based on these questionnaires across five categories: Legislation & Enforcement, Policies & Programs, Infrastructure & Funding, Education & Encouragement, and Evaluation & Planning.

Find your state's bicycle report card here.