Tennessee ranked second most bicycle friendly state in the Southeast

photo UTC graduate student T.J. Zinke rides his bike around the Raccoon Mountain reservoir doing laps late Monday morning.

NASHVILLE - Tennessee was the second most bicycle friendly state in the Southeast region last year, while placing 17th nationally, according to the League of American Bicyclists.

Tennessee has improved its national ranking from 26th, the group's rankings show.

"With all the competing transportation needs we have, Tennessee is proud to be making gains in the area of bicycle friendliness," said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer in a news release. "The network of bike lanes across the state is growing each and every year."

Tennessee's ranking was based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; educational programs that promote cycling, and passage and enforcement of bicycle friendly laws that increase safety for riders of all ages, the news release states.

The League of American Bicyclists commended TDOT for developing a statewide bicycle plan, and for including a bicycle safety emphasis in its Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

The annual rankings are published and used to encourage states to improve their bike-friendliness.

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