New Jersey Named Top 10 State For Cyclists [Interactive Map]

(Editor's Note: The map above was created by the League of American Bicyclists)

For the second straight year The League of American Bicyclists has named New Jersey one of the 10 friendliest states for cyclists.

A national bicycling advocacy group, the League ranks all fifty states for bicycle friendliness based on a variety of characteristics including legislation and enforcement, programs and policies, infrastructure, education and encouragement, and evaluation and planning.

The Monmouth County Parks System's Henry Hudson Trail spans from Aberdeen to Highlands, with extensions from Marlboro to Freehold. The trail is lined with trees and has a 24-mile stretch of natural views, including wetlands and fields. (Currently, a section that passes along the bay through Atlantic Highlands is closed due to severe Superstorm Sandy damage, and there is not an estimate of when it will reopen.) 

New Jersey, which ranked third on the East Coast behind Delaware and Massachusetts, scored highest in "policies and programs" and "education and enforcement," but trailed behind other states in "infrastructure and funding."

Along with conducting its annual ranking, the League also offers policy suggestions for each state.

To cut down on New Jersey's "high number of bicycle fatalities," the organization suggested the state ensure bicycle safety is emphasized in all future transportation projects, programs and policies, and that a number of bicycle safety laws are adopted.

The League also recommended the state integrates its police academy curriculum with bicycle enforcement training, begins requiring state facilities to provide bicycle parking and updates its bicycle master plan.