Minnesota retained its ranking as the second most bicycle friendly state in the nation, according to the annual list from the League of American Bicyclists. The state has consistently ranked in the top five since 2008.

“This ranking signifies that we continue to move in the right direction,” said Tim Mitchell, Minnesota Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. “We still have some work to do to accomplish our collective goal to become the most bicycle friendly state, but the efforts and leadership of all the agencies that support bicycling shows we are continually making progress.”

The Bicycle Friendly States ranking is based on a number key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide safe places to bike; education and encouragement programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities to ride.

“Retaining the No. 2 ranking is recognition of the good work we’re doing and something we can be really proud of,” said Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “Our ranking recognizes that we have made significant improvement around the state, and that the competition around the country is really fierce. Competitors are using us as their model and motivation to become more bike friendly. For 2016 we’ve got our sights set on being No. 1.”

Washington remains the top-ranked state for the eighth year in a row, followed by Minnesota, Delaware and Massachusetts. Minnesota is less than four points behind Washington.

“We’re encouraged to see measurable progress and improvement in many states, including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Utah,” said Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists president. “We hope to see continued improvements as more statewide leaders recognize and invest in the many benefits bicycling offers.”

Minnesota received its ranking because of its work in legislation and enforcement, policies and programs, infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, and evaluation and planning. The state was credited for including a bicycle safety emphasis in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

The state’s “top 10 signs of success” in the ranking process include a Complete Streets policy that incorporates bicycling, dedicated state funding, an active state advocacy group, a state bicycle plan, Share the Road campaign and laws that protect the bicycler.

Several state agencies, including the departments of Health, Natural Resources, Transportation and Tourism invest in bicycling as an important component of Minnesota’s transportation system. Those agencies, and other groups, comprise PedalMn, a coalition that helps all ages enjoy bicycling. Bicycle tourism has a positive impact on Minnesota’s economy and being physically active can decrease the risk of a variety of diseases such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes, depression and certain types of cancer.

Nearly half of Minnesotans rode a bicycle last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation 2014 Omnibus Transportation Survey.

Read more about the League of American Bicyclists’ rankings at www.bikeleague.org.