League of American Bicyclists Names Washington Most Bike-Friendly State

Washington has once again been named the most bicycle-friendly state in the country.

The League of American Bicyclists, a major national advocacy group, released its 2026 rankings showing the state retained its top spot by expanding bicycle safety and access. This recognition follows a long-standing trend of leadership in the sector; Washington has held the number one ranking for all but one cycle since the Bicycle Friendly States program launched in 2008, WSdot.com reported.

“Bicycle travel is an essential part of our statewide multimodal transportation system, so this recognition is great news,” said Julie Meredith, Secretary of Transportation. She said that while the state has made important strides, work remains to improve active travel options.

The League’s report card for Washington highlighted several specific policy successes that contributed to the ranking. These include the implementation of safe passing laws and the adoption of bicycling infrastructure and design guidelines that prioritize multimodal safety in construction and design.

State-level legislative actions also played a role in the organization’s assessment. The League pointed to laws that strengthen driver education requirements and provide clearer definitions and regulations for e-bikes and e-motos. The state's commitment to speed management and the "Safe System Approach" to traffic design helped secure the top position, WSdot.com reported.

While the ranking celebrates infrastructure and law, the economic and social impact of these policies reaches beyond simple transit. By prioritizing “active travel,” the state aims to create more accessible routes for various demographics, including those of all ages and abilities.

“Washington state is committed to making active travel more comfortable, convenient and accessible,” said Barb Chamberlain, Active Transportation Division Director.

Chamberlain added that the state works to create better environments for people to bike while strengthening the ability of local partners to deliver bike- and people-friendly streets. According to WSdot.com, Washington’s staff and policies serve as a resource for other states looking to implement similar safety improvements.

Beyond legislative framework, the League highlighted the effectiveness of specific funding models. WSDOT’s active transportation programs—which include the nation’s leading bicycle education program and various equipment assistance initiatives—were noted for their popularity and impact.

Spotted some beautiful bike infrastructure in washington dc

The state’s strategy relies on a “wraparound approach” that connects large-scale infrastructure with local community needs. This collaboration is intended to ensure that improvements in one area are supported by accessibility and education in another, Chamberlain told WSdot.com.

The focus on multimodal safety reflects how the Washington State Department of Transportation is changing its road design, moving away from car-centric models toward systems that accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, and motorized travelers simultaneously.

“The ranking emphasizes our wraparound approach to expanding biking access in collaboration with communities around the state,” Chamberlain said.