These Are the 10 Safest States for Cyclists
These Are the 10 Safest States for Cyclists
Who doesn’t love to hit the road on two wheels? Wind in your face, legs and heart pumping – it can feel like a high-flying detox as you leave traffic-jammed vehicles in your dust. Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul.
That’s the ideal cycling scenario. But not all cycling zones are created equal when it comes to safety provisions. Some are very cyclist-friendly, others… not so much.
Each year an average of 2% of motor vehicle crash deaths in the US are bicyclists. But many jurisdictions are on a mission to bring that number down with strategic town planning and infrastructure decisions designed to foster a strong bike culture and make cycling a safe and viable transportation option.
So don’t let worries about safety put the brakes on your cycling experience. Check out this list of the safest states for cycling, based on data gathered between 2017 and 2021 by two sources: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the League of American Bicyclists – a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that rates and ranks states and communities for their efforts to make themselves cyclist-friendly.
Do some cherry-picking, choose a destination that’s right for you, then prepare to put the pedal to the metal.
10. Arkansas
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With 400 miles of bike trails, the Natural State is a great place to enjoy everything from beautiful scenic routes to challenging mountain climbs to on-pavement glides. Arkansas is home to six Bicycle Friendly Communities (as designated by The League of American Cyclists), as well as cities and towns across the state that invite you to join in on group rides and share a cold one post-trip.
Fayetteville, Arkansas is rated the third most bicycle-friendly city in the entire United States. It’s home to an incredible 50 registered bike-friendly businesses in a town of fewer than 100,000. To put that figure in perspective: compare that number to just 21 in Portland and 9 in San Francisco. Impressive!
Arkansas ranks as the tenth safest state for bicyclists in the US. A total of 2029 traffic fatalities were recorded from 2017 to 2021, of which 27 were bicyclists, making up 1.33% of total traffic fatalities. Junction Bridge (pictured) in Little Rock was converted to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
9. West Virginia
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West Virginia has consistently been working its way up the roster of bike-friendly states. The League of American Bicyclists now lists West Virginia as 28th of the 50 states for laws and policies designed to keep bicyclists safe and to promote bicycling. That’s up from the 34th spot it held in 2019, and a huge advancement over its embarrassing #50 position ten years ago.
That evolution is thanks in large part to legislative changes including a “complete streets” policy that recognizes the right of cyclists to a safe spot on the pavement, along with more generous funding to communities to create bike-friendly infrastructure.
According to the NHTSA findings, cyclists constituted 1.32% of West Virginia’s total 987 traffic fatalities.
8. Montana
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With stunning mountain views, rustic ranches nestled in lush green valleys, and long stretches of vast plains, the Big Sky state is a natural magnet for cyclists. Montana’s bike-friendly communities are tailor-made for road cyclists who want to explore the state’s gorgeous valleys, forests, and towns up close.
But Montana isn’t just offering welcome with its wide open spaces: it also offers extensive networks, bike routes and trails laid out in urban centers. The state ranks 5th in the U.S. for per capita spending on both pedestrians and cyclists, and it’s home to some of the most active cycling-savvy residents in the U.S. Fully 20 percent of residents cite cycling as their main transportation mode.
Beyond the health and safety benefits, making Montana bike-friendly has made good fiscal sense. Out-of-state cyclists spend an average of over $100 each day of their visit, helping fuel Montana’s economy.
7. Missouri
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Missouri is home to a growing number of Bicycle Friendly Communities and Bicycle Friendly Businesses, national designations awarded by the League of American Bicyclists.
Over 1.4 million Missourians now live in an officially designated Bicycle Friendly Community, with the total number of recognized bicycle-friendly communities, universities, and businesses growing from 0 in 2008 to 46 in 2019.
The not-so-good news: Missouri’s position on the Bike-Friendly State Rankings put out by the League of American Bicyclists slipped from 35 in 2019 to 45 in 2022. Missouri has yet to produce a plan outlining a state-wide strategy to prioritize improvements to its active transportation policy and infrastructure.
Missouri spends virtually none of its state funds, and just 2% of its federal transportation funding on walking and biking improvements, and virtually zero state funds. Cycling enthusiasts hope that a new federal infrastructure bill will motivate the state to invest more in active transportation.
Fatal crash data from NHTSA confirmed that out of 3,261 total traffic-related deaths, 1.23% were bicyclists.
6. Alabama
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Alabama’s track record for cycling safety hasn’t been great in the past. In a state where relatively few people regularly use a bike for transportation, investing in effective cycling infrastructure hasn’t been a priority.
But efforts to improve its standing as a bike-friendly state have been gaining momentum in the past few years at both the grassroots and government levels. Alabama is now home to an active state advocacy group and a state-enforced bicycle plan, which includes a requirement for children under 16 to wear helmets.
Between 2017 and 2021, the state suffered 38 cyclist fatalities – or 1.18% out of the state’s 3306 total traffic-related deaths.
5. Tennessee
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Whether you’re traveling through its rolling hills or along its urban pathways, cycling is a great way to explore the state of Tennessee. In Tennessee, a bicycle has the legal status of a vehicle – meaning that bicyclists have full rights on the roadway and are subject to the same regulations that govern the operation of a motor vehicle.
While Tennessee hasn’t been a standout for cycling safety in the past, efforts are underway (particularly in larger urban centers like Nashville and Memphis) to redesign roadways to create safer sidewalks and bike lanes.
Between 2017 and 2021, 42 cycling casualties were recorded – accounting for 1.07% of Tennessee’s 3930 traffic-related fatalities.
4. Nebraska
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The Cornhusker State is improving its standing as a bike-friendly state – but it still has a long way to go according to the latest “report card” from the League of American Bicyclists. Nebraska has shaken off its dubious distinction as #50 out of 50 states to inch its way up to #49.
Nebraska got its top grade, a “B,” for “traffic laws and practices” – including a recently passed law giving bicyclists the same legal protections as pedestrians when on a crosswalk. The state’s worst grade was an “F+” for infrastructure and funding: Nebraska is one of only eight states that had never adopted a statewide bike plan.
But the tide is turning in favor of cyclists. While Nebraska doesn’t have a formal state bike plan, design recommendations for dedicated bike paths were incorporated into a new, 20-year comprehensive transportation plan completed last year.
Only 0.3% of Nebraskans use bicycles to commute, so it’s not surprising that its cyclist mortality rate is one of the lowest in the nation. Of the state’s total traffic fatalities, 0.73% involved cyclists – well below the national average of 67%.
3. Vermont
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With its scenic rolling landscape, the New England’s Vermont is a natural for two-wheel trailblazers – but its cities and towns also make cyclists feel welcome.
The Green Mountain State ranks third safest, with 0.96 deaths per 100,000 people, due to only six fatalities between the start of 2010 and the end of 2019, which is 59% lower than the national average.
Overall, Vermont is one of the safest states in the country for cycling, consistently above the national and Eastern regional averages. Ranked 23rd most bike-friendly, the League of American Bicyclists rated Vermont the best state in the country for investment in safe and efficient bicycling infrastructure design.
2. Wyoming
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The least-populated state in the country, Wyoming is rich with wide open spaces to explore – but that doesn’t automatically make it bike-friendly.
A relatively sparse population means there are fewer cyclists – so car drivers aren’t always on the lookout for people using this seldom-seen form of transportation.
Wyoming doesn’t offer a lot of pavement, so road options are somewhat limited and, in some cases, they can be downright unsafe due to minimal safe shoulders.
In the League of American Bicyclists’ 2022 ratings of “Bike Friendly” states, Wyoming ranked dead last for failing to show consistent commitment to improving the cycling experience and cycling safety. For example, it has yet to pass an official helmet law: riders of any age can choose not to wear a helmet.
However, the stats work in Wyoming’s favor. According to NHSTA’s findings from 2017 to 2021, Wyoming ranks as the second safest state for cycling. Of the state’s total of 447 traffic-related deaths, 0.22% were bicyclists – far below the national average. But take it with a grain of salt, given that Wyoming has fewer people, fewer motorists, and fewer cyclists than any other state in the country.
1. South Dakota
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From the stunning Black Hills to the shores of the mighty Missouri to the Sioux Falls Greenway trail system, the Mount Rushmore State abounds with cycling delights.
According to NHSTA’s stats, South Dakota tops the list of safest states in the country for bicyclists. Between 2017 and 2021, there was a single fatality involving a cyclist. Of its total 459 traffic-related fatalities, cyclist fatalities made up 0.22% – far below the national average.
The League of American Bicyclists applauds those stats, but encourages South Dakota to develop educational programs and a long-overdue statewide bike plan that would create safe long distance routes on state roads and create safe cycling networks between municipalities.
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Zobia Shazi is a freelance writer from Pakistan and travel enthusiast. With a Bachelor's degree in IT and four years of professional writing experience, she's passionate about crafting compelling content for people all over the globe. When she's not busy typing, you can find her reading books in a nice cafe or exploring new places.
