Washington, Wisconsin on a roll as most bike-friendly states

— -- Washington and Wisconsin rated the bike-friendliest of the 50 states for the second year running in a national survey released today. The League of American Bicyclists ranked the states based on a 75-item list aimed at determining their "commitment to bicycling" in areas such as legislation, education and encouragement. Rounding out this year's top five are Maine, Oregon and Minnesota.

Among the most improved: Delaware, which moved from 31st to ninth place, thanks in part to a declaration that all new and improved roadways will incorporate bike lanes. Iowa shot up from 21st to sixth place due to new enforcement and funding.

Scores overall were higher this year, says league president Andy Clarke. Last year's inaugural list, which "may have shook people up," deserves some of the credit, he adds. West Virginia, last in 2008 (Alabama gets that dishonor this year), moved to 42nd place, for instance. "States like (West Virginia) see that there's a lot they can do to improve things and that they're standing on a lot of potential."

For a complete list of rankings: bicyclefriendlystate.org.