Washington still leading the way in support for bike travel, safety

Evergreen State keeps #1 spot in "bike friendly" national rankings

OLYMPIA - Once again Washington has been named the country's most bicycle-friendly state.

That's according to the League of American Bicyclists, one of the country's largest bicycle advocacy groups. The organization measures and ranks how states support bicycle travel. The league's 2026 rankings show Washington retained its top spot in the Bicycle Friendly State rankings as the state continues to expand bicycle safety and access.

The league's Washington report card highlights several Washington efforts, including safe passing laws, bicycling infrastructure and design guidelines that include multimodal safety in all aspects of design and construction.

The league praised state policies that improve safety for all travelers. It called out legislative actions that strengthen driver education requirements and clarify how to define and regulate e-bikes and e-motos, among others. The organization also highlighted Washington's commitments to speed management and the Safe System Approach to traffic design and safety.

"Bicycle travel is an essential part of our statewide multimodal transportation system, so this recognition is great news," said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. "We still have more work to do improving active travel options, but we're making important strides."

The league also highlighted the popularity of WSDOT's active transportation funding programs, including the nation's leading bicycle education program and programs providing bicycling equipment.

"Washington state is committed to making active travel more comfortable, convenient and accessible," said Active Transportation Division Director Barb Chamberlain. "The ranking emphasizes our wraparound approach to expanding biking access in collaboration with communities around the state."

Chamberlain added WSDOT works to create better places for people of all ages and all abilities to bike, as well as strengthening partners' ability to deliver bike- and people-friendly streets. In addition, WSDOT staff and policies are an important resource for other states in their bicycle and safety improvements.

Washington has ranked first for all but one round since Bicycle Friendly States launched in 2008.